The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced a group of 305 young Australians to advise Government on online issues such as cyber-bullying.
"Young people are at the leading edge of online experience and can provide valuable advice on emerging problems such as cyber-bullying, invasions of privacy and illegal content."
"The Youth Advisory Group is a unique opportunity for young people to contribute to policy development by advising the Government on cyber-safety concerns and solutions."
Senator Conroy today launched the Youth Advisory Group with students from Caroline Springs College in Melbourne's western suburbs, one of 15 participating schools nationally.
305 secondary school students nationally, aged from 11 to 17, will participate as members of the Youth Advisory Group through a secure website and at face-to-face meetings.
"The National Broadband Network will herald a revolution in education, providing new opportunities for students, teachers and parents across the country," Senator Conroy said.
"The Government is interested in fostering a safe online environment and helping develop responses to internet risks," Senator Conroy said.
"A safe online environment helps develop digital confidence, increasing the opportunities for people to benefit from online services."
The Rudd Government recognises that there is no single solution to the problem of online risks and that a range of measures is required.
The Youth Advisory Group is one part of the Government's $125.8 million cyber-safety plan announced in May 2008, which includes a comprehensive range of measures such as:
law enforcement, including 91 extra Australian Federal Police officers
education and information measures
resources such as help-lines and websites
ISP content filtering
consultative arrangements with industry, child protection bodies, and
research to identify possible areas for further action.
For further information on cyber-safety, visit www.dbcde.gov.au/cybersafetyplan
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