Young people should be aware that sending inappropriate material that was offensive to school students could be in breach of the law and potentially result in heavy penalties, AMTA has warned following a reported incident in Tasmania.

The Hobart Mercury reported this week that a primary school student had received “shocking” and explicit material via SMS from a local high school student.

AMTA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus, said young people should be aware that some people who used mobile phones to send offensive material believe their actions are anonymous. “That is not correct. These things are traceable and they will be caught.

“It’s a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to menace, harass or offend another person. The offence carries very heavy penalties”

Mr Althaus said it was important for parents to talk with their children about their mobile phone use. “Listen to your child and encourage them to discuss issues with you,” he said.

He said there were a range of preventative measures that could be adopted to help protect young people from receiving inappropriate material, whether it be pornographic or threatening messages.

Young people should be careful who they give their number to – only give it to close friends. Do not leave their mobile where someone can see their number and consider using caller ID blocking to hide their phone number when calling someone.

If they receive material that is graphic or insulting they should keep the message (and the time and date it was sent) as evidence and tell their parents or teacher or an other adult.

Students and their parents can also talk to their mobile phone company to see if they can help. Your phone company may be able to stop certain numbers calling you. They may also be able to provide you with a new phone number. Ask them about your options.

Mr Althaus said AMTA had entered a partnership with the national peak body for parents of schoolchidren, the Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO), to give parents information to assist them in helping their children to use mobile phones in a safe and responsible manner.