Chatterbox gets parents talking about online safety

To coincide with Safer Internet Day, the government has launched the Cybersmart Chatterbox series - a new online interactive resource for parents.

"It is clear that parents, and others caring for children, want more help – and better tools – to keep the children in their care as safe as possible when they use the internet, " said Paul Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications.

The Australian Communication and Media Authority's (ACMA) Cybersmart research findings, Connected Parents in the Cybersafety Age (June 2013), highlights that children and young people are most likely to turn to their parents first for help if there is an issue relating to online safety.

"It is important that parents feel confident and capable to answer questions their children have about the internet and that parents have regular check- ins with their kids. Chatterbox will equip parents with the information to initiate conversations about online experiences," Mr Fletcher said.

Chatterbox is a series of downloadable conversations that can be accessed at home or on a mobile device, so parents can gain information, access resources and discuss online issues with other parents. Parents can submit questions to Cybersmart experts, share stories and advice with other parents.

"The Government is committed to protecting children from online dangers. We are currently seeking feedback on our discussion paper, Enhancing Online Safety for Children. I encourage all with an interest in online safety for children to respond to our proposed measures," Mr Fletcher said.

To access Chatterbox or for more information about Cybersmart, visit www.cybersmart.gov.au.