Working group told ‘Setting Boundaries for Children Using Social Media a Key Challenge’

Setting boundaries for children using social media is a key challenge for parents, the Coalition's Online Safety Working Group has heard in two days of consultations in Adelaide and Perth.

In Adelaide the group met with cyber-bullying experts, youth advocacy groups and internet service providers, before holding a well attended community forum at the University of South Australia.

In Perth the group has held a series of community forums with school students of varying ages.

"We received valuable feedback and input on many aspects of online safety and cyber-safety," said Paul Fletcher, Member for Bradfield and Chair of the Working Group.

Across the two days, other Coalition attendees have included Shadow Minister for Education Christopher Pyne, Senators Mary Jo Fisher, Stephen Parry and Bridget McKenzie, and MPs Natasha Griggs, Patrick Secker, Luke Simpkins & Wyatt Roy.

'Several participants spoke of the challenges faced by parents in deciding where to set boundaries for children and teenagers in using the internet and social media. For example, although Facebook sets a minimum age of 13, many parents do not believe they should allow children of this age to have a Facebook page.'

 'A leading cyber-bullying expert told us of new research which demonstrates that the psychological consequences of cyber-bullying are worse than traditional bullying’.

 'In our discussion with junior high school students we heard a number of concerns about Facebook: one said 'it is almost an addiction' and others were frustrated about the unclear and frequently changing privacy settings’.

 ‘Many of the students - in both the primary and junior high groups - said that they had been asked by their parents to set up new computers and devices. This must raise real questions about the effectiveness of parental controls supplied by vendors.'

 The Coalition Online Safety Group was established in January this year, and has been asked to report to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and the Shadow Cabinet by the middle of the year with recommendations about Coalition policy in this area.