The misuse of mobile phones, email and the Internet to bully and harass young people will be tackled in new materials being produced for the State’s schools.

Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the finishing touches are being put to Cyber Safety: Keeping Children Safe in a Connected World, for distribution to schools later this year.

The materials are in addition to the State’s Keeping Safe child protection curriculum, introduced in 2007, which teaches every child in State schools how to stay safe, including in the cyber world.

Dr Lomax-Smith today previewed the materials ahead of today’s launch of new cyber safety documents for students, parents and teachers at St Peters Collegiate Girls’ School.

“The State Government first put the spotlight on cyber bullying back in 2004 through a detailed anti-bullying package and training provided to every school in the State.

“We then referred the issue to our Coalition to Decrease Bullying, Harassment and Violence in South Australian schools in late 2006.

“The Coalition includes representatives from the Government, Catholic and Independent school sectors along with local academic experts in school bullying.

“With their help, a campaign to alert South Australian parents to the dangers of the Internet and cyber bullying was launched in May 2007 at a national school safety forum for parents in Adelaide.

“A pamphlet about cyber bullying and e-crime, developed with SA Police and NetAlert, was distributed to South Australian families, recognising that it’s a social problem beyond schools.

“In addition, a booklet Be Cool Not Cruel, developed and trialled in five northern suburbs schools, was distributed to all school students in Years 8 to 10.

“The new materials we are producing will advise schools, teachers and parents about legislation, policies and practices, protection and safety concerning cyber use by young people.

“The Australian Communication and Media Authority has indicated that our materials are unique in Australia because of their comprehensive approach to cyber safety issues.

“Other child safety school-based initiatives in South Australia, including our Keeping Safe child protection curriculum, are now being emulated elsewhere in Australia and even overseas.

“In Maryland USA, a Coalition Against Bullying has been established, with advice from South Australia’s own Coalition member and expert Professor Phillip Slee.”