Older Australians in NSW will be able to enhance their digital skills and engage with technology more safely through a new collaboration between the Federal Office of the eSafety Commissioner and the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS).
"Our research tells us that nearly half of Australians aged 50 years and over have encountered viruses, scams and the online theft of credit card and personal information," says eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
"By collaborating with the NSW Government to deliver practical training and resources, we can collectively improve the digital literacy and safety of older people across the state," says Inman Grant.
NSW Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies has also welcomed the initiative.
"We know how important it is that seniors feel safe when using technology. This partnership will build on our Tech Savvy Seniors Program to ensure seniors develop up-to-date skills so they can confidently participate in the digital world," says Minister Davies.
The collaboration between the NSW Government's Tech Savvy Seniors Program and the eSafety Office's Be Connected program will include:
- face-to-face presentations and monthly webinars to empower older Australians to detect and respond to scams and develop greater confidence with online banking, shopping and connecting with family and friends on Facebook
- helpful online safety guides translated in a broad range of languages to address the most common concerns and needs of older Australians.
"Up-skilling seniors through this program will not only assist them with day-to-day activities, but also keep them connected with others and reduce social isolation," says Davies.
The training and resources will complement the existing Tech Savvy Seniors program, which delivers low-cost digital literacy training through providers across NSW.
