The Albanese Government will deliver $6 million over 3 years for online learning tools to help schools keep children safe online in the 2022-23 Federal Budget.
A suite of eLearning tools will be delivered by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation (AMF) and include:
∙ The eSmart Digital Licence+, for students aged 10 to 14 to learn how to meet the demands and challenges of the digital world.
∙ The eSmart Media Literacy Lab for secondary school students aged 12 to 16 to help support the development of critical thinking skills and online civic engagement.
∙ A new eSmart Junior Digital Licence+ for primary students aged 5 to 9 years. This will support the increasing number of young children who are active online, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These resources will make digital literacy programs freely available to all schools, not just those that can afford them. They will help Australian students develop the skills they need to be critical, responsible and active citizens online.
Poor digital technology skills can lead to young people falling victim to online harms. Children should be empowered to become respectful and resilient digital citizens, with education and learning a key part of achieving this goal.
The ACCC's Digital Platforms Inquiry report recommended improving digital media literacy education in Australian schools, to help children to critically assess the news and content they see online.
A range of free online and interactive resources are available through the eSafety Commissioner to respond to cyberbullying, online abuse, managing exposure to harmful online content and other online safety issues. Support is also available for parents and carers to help them navigate online safety issues that their children may experience. These resources can be accessed at www.esafety.gov.au
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"By 2025, every primary and secondary school in Australia will have the opportunity to engage with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation's digital literacy products, which is a major boost in our commitment to keep children safe from harm.
Children are particularly vulnerable to online harms. Ensuring we have the resources in place - and the expertise available to deliver them - will empower children to interact safely online.
Australian children should be provided with the tools to face online issues, such as harmful content and misinformation - and we have delivered on this election commitment through the 2022-23 Federal Budget."
