The Australian Communications and Media Authority today released a new online resource that brings together information, research and activities about digital media literacy.

The resource is aimed at promoting participation in and understanding of media literacy and is available at www.acma.gov.au/medialiteracy

‘As digital media and services become an important prerequisite to effective participation in the digital economy and Australian society more generally, people need to be media literate,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

‘They need to be able to navigate an expanding range and choice of content, while at the same time understand how they might protect themselves and their families from exposure to harmful or inappropriate material. They also need to know how to manage security and privacy risks online and be able to make informed decisions between various platforms and competing service providers.’

The resource complements ACMA’s consumer protection awareness and education programs. It has information about ACMA programs and activities promoting media literacy, including ACMA’s digital media literacy research program, and links to other Australian and overseas resources.

A key audience for the resource is the group of organisations who are active in the promotion of media literacy within the Australian community.

‘ACMA recognises that many organisations are actively promoting media literacy in Australia or contributing to understanding media literacy needs, through education, research, or provision of consumer information,’ said Mr Chapman. ‘ACMA invites organisations whose work might already be contributing to understanding or promoting media literacy levels in Australia to share information by making it available in the online resource.’

Organisations can contact ACMA’s digital media literacy team by email at media.literacy@acma.gov.au