ACMA relaunches Cybersmartkids website

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has relaunched its internet safety website www.cybersmartkids.com.au.

The updated site seeks to give parents and children additional friendly advice about staying safe while online and on the go.

It features new information on mobile phones, instant messaging, webcams and weblogs.

It also includes activities for the kids and “cool links” to sites like the United Nations Cyber School Bus and the Parliamentary Library.

“The overarching message is — remember to always be cybersmart,” acting ACMA chair Lyn Maddock said about the updated site’s goals in a statement.

The update to Cybersmartkids was driven by recent research from the former Australian Broadcasting Authority and the community body NetAlert, the ACMA said.

The research suggested parents had a hard time keeping up with changes in technology and were unaware of the options available to keep their children safe.

“While Australian parents and children are very positive about the benefits of the internet, concerns do exist about exposure to unsuitable and offensive content, as well as contact being made with children by strangers,” the statement said.

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