Queensland parents can keep their children safer from online bullies from today, following the release of a new Bligh Government cyber safety brochure.

Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson said the Government had developed a practical guide for parents on where to get more information about how to improve the safety of their children when using mobile phones and the internet.

“The Bligh Government is committed to giving parents the necessary tools to enable them to protect their children from cyber harassment in the home and the community,” Mr Wilson said.

“Cyber bullying can cause serious long term consequences for the young person involved, including depression, so it is so important we address this complex issue.

“As mobile phones, the web and social networking continue to become more popular with young people, there is the potential for cyber bullying incidents to occur.

 “Traditionally young people were safe from bullying outside of school hours, but modern technology means children can be subjected to abuse 24 hours a day and seven days a week.”

The cyber safety pamphlet provides parents with a list of the new technologies that children presently use as well as links to more information including the Queensland Police Service’s resource, Who’s Chatting To Your Kids?.

The cyber safety booklet for parents will be available to download shortly from http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices and will also be distributed to those parents who attend Dr Michael Carr-Gregg’s seminars between May and August.

The Queensland Government, in partnership with the Queensland Schools Alliance Against Violence, has engaged Dr Carr-Gregg to conduct an education series – Action Against Bullying at ten locations across the state. In each location sessions for school leaders, school staff and parents will be conducted free of charge.

The sessions for parents will cover ‘traditional’ bullying as well as cyber safety .

More information on the bullying seminars can be found at http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/bulletins/actionagainstbullying.html

Mr Wilson said the Government was committed to implementing strategies focussed on protecting Queensland children.

“The new cyber safety brochure and Dr Carr-Gregg’s forums are positive steps to providing real solutions and enhancing the safety of all Queensland students.”