Today, millions of Australians are being empowered to spread online safety, with a record number of corporations, community groups, schools and sporting teams signed on to champion Safer Internet Day.
Optus, Origin Energy, Woolworths, Australia Post and Snap Inc. are among hundreds of organisations supporting this year’s theme ‘Together for a better internet’ and encouraging the 4 Rs of online safety—respect, responsibility, resilience and reasoning.
“This unprecedented swell of support signifies a real cultural shift in Australia’s commitment to promoting a safer online environment across our communities,” says Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner.
“It’s clear that Australians are fed up with negative and abusive online experiences. Safer Internet Day recognises that each and every one of us can play a part in combating unacceptable behaviour so we can all thrive in a connected world.”
The latest research from the eSafety Office reveals 94% of parents share concerns about their children’s online safety and a further 95% say they want more information to help keep their children safe.
“Sadly, our research also shows 1 in 4 young people have been contacted by strangers online and 1 in 5 have experienced cyberbullying. So it’s more important than ever that we help our children build critical reasoning and resilience skills, not just on Safer Internet Day, but every day,” says Inman Grant.
Tens of thousands of school children across Australia will participate in Safer Internet Day presentations through the Office’s Virtual Classrooms, helping them create positive online environments by using the 4 Rs of online safety.
“Today is a great opportunity to start an online safety conversation with the children in your care. To help, we have advice for parents and resources for teachers at esafety.gov.au, as well as providing reporting services to help remove abusive or illegal content,” says Inman Grant.
The Commissioner will join students, supporters and key stakeholders to pledge their commitment to a safer internet today and on a consistent basis. All Australians are invited to share their own pledges and be part of the positive change via #SID2019.
Safer Internet Day is a globally celebrated initiative, coordinated by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner in Australia. To get involved or for more information, visit SID.