ACMA releases second video warning children of cyber world pitfalls
Media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has produced a series of short films targeted at under 12s as it continues to warn children about potential dangers of the cyber world.
Its new cybersafety video, #Game On, which launches today (Thursday), features five stories tackling issues surrounding cyberbullying, excessive gaming, sharing passwords, free downloads and online friends. #Game On follows a group of school friends who find themselves in situations that catch them off-guard and the illustrate the consequences of making poor decisions online.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lovce3Ms1KU
It is the second short film made by ACMA as part of its Cybersmart program, following the release of Tagged in 2011 which targeted 14 year olds and over.
ACMA also launched an awareness campaign around cybersafety for indigenous communities in April.
ACMA deputy chairman and cybersafety spokesperson Richard Bean said #Game On will introduce a deeper level of awareness of cybersafety in a “fun, realistic and interactive way”.
“The way our kids use and experience online technologies can leave a long-lasting impression and affect a young person’s wellbeing and digital reputation,” he said. “#GameOn will help young Australians understand the need to take personal and social responsibility for their online actions.”
The video will be launched simultaneously across classrooms Australia-wide and is the first coordinated virtual launch for students via state education departments’ ‘virtual classroom’ platforms and the Cybersmart website.
Parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Communications, Paul Fletcher, MP, welcomed the release of #GameOn.
“In my conversations with teachers and parents, I am regularly told that they have to spend significant time in dealing with cyberbullying and disputes on social media,” he said. “In line with the Australian government’s commitment to enhance online safety for children, I commend #GameOn as a tool you can use with your children or students to raise awareness of online safety issues, and to help students navigate the online world safely and with confidence.”
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