Online Safety
During the development of the City’s Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan 2014 – 2018, the issue of cyber or online safety and associated themes emerged as being of concern or interest to the local community. The risks presented by unsafe Internet or mobile device use are real and can lead to serious outcomes including financial loss, identity theft, damage to reputation and criminal charges.
There is a range of sources of information online that can provide tips on safe Internet use, the latest details about online threats or scams and formal channels for reporting online criminal activity or malicious content.
The following programs and sites may be helpful:
Office of the eSafety Commissioner
This office of the Australian Government provides the following:
- Online safety education for Australian Children and young people
- A complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying
- A reporting channel for illegal online content
ACORN
The Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) is a national policing initiative that lets individuals and businesses make secure reports for incidents of cybercrime. ACORN also provides online safety information and support links for victims of cybercrime.
ThinkUKnow Australia
This initiative lead by the Australian Federal Police provides online safety information for children and parents/carers with websites tailored to help different age groups:
- Need advice? – Because each situation is different, it’s important to outline what issues young people might experience and strategies that have worked for others
- Parents Portal – How to support safe web use by young people, keep up with technology and manage online risks
- Teachers Toolkit – This is an initiative has been developed to assist teachers in addressing specific issues in the classroom environment
Stay Smart Online
Want the latest information about online risks, scams and fixes and to get Internet security and safety tips for business, individuals and devices? Stay Smart Online has a wide range of up to date details and you can register to receive alerts about developing threats and how to guard against them.
Theatrical Response Group – Constable Care Child Safety Foundation
The City’s long term cooperative relationship with the Constable Care Child Safety Foundation (CCCSF) has seen it work closely with the CCCSF as they have developed their Theatrical Response Group (TRG) concept. The TRG are professional actors that use interactive forum theatre to raise awareness about current issues facing young people and challenge certain decisions and behaviour.
The City provides annual funding support to the CCCSF to assist with delivering their programs to schools within the City of Joondalup.
The TRG have developed a realistic drama script called Isolation with links to online bullying and safety. This and other themed performances are available to local schools as a one off event or as an intensive in term drama class. The CCCSF can also deliver a Screen Name interactive show with an Internet safety theme for upper primary school groups. For further information contact the CCCSF on 9272 0007 or the City’s Community Safety team.