The Tasmanian Greens have called on the Premier to investigate how widespread the risks are to Tasmanian children from cyber bullying, internet addiction and other inappropriate internet use.
Greens Member for Braddon Paul O’Halloran MP made the call in response to recent local reports of pages appearing on the social networking site Facebook, which are aimed at denigrating and humiliating individuals.
“With the many benefits of the internet, there are risks if it is not used in an irresponsible manner,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“There is a very serious lack of understanding of the risks throughout parts of the community with young people being particularly vulnerable, and parents not knowing where to turn when their children are targeted by cyber bullying activity.”
“There clearly needs to be a greater focus at the public policy level on to find out the extent of this problem, along with ways to raise awareness about it and hopefully prevent it.”
Mr O’Halloran said he was particularly worried about the prevalence of so-called “sexting”.
“Large studies in the USA indicate that 13% of 11-18 year olds have received naked or semi-naked photos while amazingly 8% have sent them.”
“These images are available to all in cyberspace at any time now or in the future. They can become personally damaging and very career limiting.”
Mr O’Halloran also congratulated Ulverstone parents Elizabeth Orr and Jennifer Broadfield for their initiative in setting up CyberSense Ulverstone, an organisation established with the goal of making Ulverstone a Cyber Safe zone.
“There is clearly a groundswell of concern among Tasmanian parents about the impacts of inappropriate internet use, and it great to see parents taking the initiative and looking for community-based solutions.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Member for Braddon
