Stakeholders have their say about online safety for children

The government has received a wide range of submissions in response to its Discussion Paper on Enhancing Online Safety for Children.

Paul Fletcher MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications said he was pleased with the detailed submissions received.

“A discussion paper is designed to attract feedback, and we have received a range of inputs, including from industry players, child safety advocates, school organisations, youth organisations, those with specialist legal and policy expertise and other stakeholders including Australians concerned about cyberbullying”, Mr Fletcher said.

“It is clear that all stakeholders share the same objective, that is, to protect children from online dangers such as cyberbullying.

The proposed measures, first outlined in the Coalition’s policy to Enhance Online Safety for Children campaign – include establishing a Children’s e-Safety Commissioner; an effective complaints system, backed by legislation, to get harmful material fast down from large social media sites; and examining whether there is a need for a new, simplified cyber-bullying offence.

“I welcome the input we have received in these many thoughtful submissions, which will be carefully considered as we proceed to develop legislation”, Mr Fletcher said.

The submissions are available on the Department of Communications website at http://www.communications.gov.au/online_safety_and_security/cyber_safety/discussion_paper_enhancing_online_safety_for_children/submissions_to_the_public_consultation_on_enhancing_online_safety_for_children