Telstra Foundation gives $2M to reduce online bullying

Telstra has set aside $2 million for a new program aimed at reducing bullying and harassment of children using the internet and mobile phones across Australia.

The new program is being launched by the Telstra Foundation and will provide grants starting from $75,000 per year over three years for organisations to tackle cyber-safety issues ranging from bullying to internet addiction and identity theft.

Telstra Foundation chairman, Herb Elliott, said children were using the internet and mobile phones at an increasingly young age but unfortunately some were becoming victims of bullying and harassment and even crime.

"Sadly, there are more and more reported incidents of children and young people who are victimised at the hands of bullies or people doing the wrong thing online," Elliott said.

According to Elliot the cyber safety grants will focus on funding programs to help educate parents about online technology and steps they can take to create a safe online learning and social environment for their child.

"The Telstra Foundation is putting a 'spotlight' on cyber safety and wants to work with people in community organisations with new ideas and solutions to help keep children safe online," he said.

The program will focus on four areas; encouraging children and young people to be actively involved in developing solutions; educating parents to become more competent in addressing cyber safety issues; research to enrich understanding of cyber safety issues; and approaches that bring together the community to share ideas and information.

Further information on the Telstra Foundation's Cyber Safety Grants and an online application form is available at http://www.telstrafoundation.com/. Applications open on 4 February 2008 and close on 4 April 2008.