Parents across regional Queensland connect to ThinkUKnow

The Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE) together with ThinkUKnow, an initiative of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Microsoft, and supported by ninemsn and Datacom, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deliver cyber-safety training to parents across Queensland.

The partnership was announced today, marking the first day of National Cyber Security Awareness Week. Held each year, National Cyber Safety Security Awareness Week involves government, industry, community and consumer organisations working together to educate the public on the importance of protecting their personal and financial information online.

Through the new agreement, digital cyber-safety training will be delivered through the DETE 'OneChannel' technology by accredited ThinkUKnow volunteers across regional Queensland. Parents in rural and regional Queensland will now have access to training otherwise only offered face to face in metropolitan areas.

The DETE's 'OneChannel' technology provides online access for DETE staff and external audiences to live and 'on demand' educational programs. ThinkUKnow will utilise the 'OneChannel' video conferencing capability to broadcast live cyber safety presentations from Metropolitan locations to parents, carers and teachers across the state.

"The internet provides opportunities for people to learn, be creative and socialise online. But unfortunately there are people who seek to use the internet and mobile technologies to cause pain and suffering to others, including today's youth," Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said.

"The ThinkUKnow sessions allow parents, carers and teachers from right around Queensland to receive cyber safety education about how to ensure children have fun online, stay in control and report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable."

Since the roll out of the ThinkUKnow program across Australia in 2010, it has proven to be a valuable resource. More than 500 cyber safety presentations have been delivered to over 20,000 parents, carers and teachers across Australia.

AFP Manager Cyber Crime Operations, Commander Glen McEwen said he welcomed the agreement.

"This is a great example of collaboration between law enforcement and the Education sector," Commander McEwen said.

"Together, we can work towards making the internet a safer place for children regardless of geographical location."

The ThinkUKnow program originated in the UK and was founded by the UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre.

For further information and resources on the ThinkUKnow initiative or to register your school for a presentation, visit www.thinkuknow.org.au.

This media release is referenced from the AFP media Centre

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