Educators and parent group representatives make input to Online Safety

Liberal Senator and member of the recently formed Coalition Online Safety Working Group, Stephen Parry, said that he was pleased with the valuable input of educators and parent representatives at the first round-table of the Coalition’s new Online Safety Working Group held in Launceston today.

‘It is clear that as well as their many advantages, modern technologies have opened a mine-field of new challenges for educators and parents,’ Senator Parry said.

‘Attendees discussed the current tools available to schools in dealing with online safety, and ways that schools could be better supported. Committee members sought input as to legislation that might be required to address concerns,’ Senator Parry said.

‘A mother also informed the committee of her daughter’s experience as the victim of cyber-bullying and a subsequent physical assault. The Working Group heard of their difficulties in dealing with social networking site, the police and the court system.

‘Such first-hand case studies are invaluable to our work in developing policies to address this growing problem,’ Senator Parry said.

The Working Group also heard anecdotal evidence from school principals that physical bullying in the school yard seemed to be decreasing whilst cyber-bullying was on the increase.

A further forum is being held in Hobart this afternoon, and around the country in coming weeks.

‘The Online Safety Working group will report back to Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, with the findings to inform future Coalition polices,’ Senator Parry said.
Senator Stephen Parry Deputy President of the Senate Liberal, Tasmania