A new guide to online safety for parents and carers has specific tips and advice for this time when children are spending more time online because of the response to COVID-19.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, are encouraging parents and carers to take some simple steps to help keep their kids safe online.
Minister Fletcher said that as Australians respond to COVID-19, we are using the internet more than ever to work, learn, socialise and be entertained.
"The upcoming school holiday period will be very different for Australian families-and children will be spending a lot of time online," Minister Fletcher said.
"Parents and carers can take some simple steps to manage the risks kids can face online-including cyberbullying and unwanted contact from strangers. This time at home is a good opportunity for parents to start the online safety chat with their kids.
"The eSafety Commissioner is here to help keep families safe, offering practical tools that empower parents and carers to be a positive influence in their kids' online lives."
Higher use of the internet during the COVID-19 crisis has been accompanied by a 40 per cent spike in reports to eSafety across its reporting areas.
