CommBank joins AFP to fight cyber bullying

The Commonwealth Bank has signed a three-year partnership with the Australian Federal Police that will see the pair cooperate on an online safety program aimed at protecting children from cyber bullying.

The ThinkUKnow initiative - born out of the UK's National Crime Agency and now licensed to the AFP - launched locally in 2009 with the backing of the national police agency, Microsoft, Datacom and state police.

Its goal is to educate parents and children about risks online and how to create a safer experience for children.

CommBank today said it would provide volunteers to deliver "cyber safety sessions" nationally in partnership with the AFP, Microsoft and Datacom to schools and other other community organisations. 

“In today’s digital age with more saving and spending occurring online, cyber awareness and cyber literacy are a natural extension of our long-standing role in the community,” CBA CIO David Whiteing said.

“From our involvement with the ThinkUKnow program to date, we can already see what a big difference it makes and how grateful parents and teachers are to have the knowledge and support to help keep kids safe online.”

“It is crucial we empower parents and carers and give them the tools and strategies to help keep our kids safe in the physical as well as ‘virtual’ world," AFP deputy commissioner Graham Ashton said.

The federal government is pushing ahead with its own legislative efforts to combat cyber bullying, this week debating its Enhancing Online Safety for Children Bill 2014 in parliament.

The bill was first introduced late last year and will result in the appointment of a Children’s e-Safety Commissioner with legal backing to compel web operators to take down malicious content.

The commissioner would have the power to fine social media giants up to $17,000 for each day they fail to act on demands to take down bullying material.