The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has extended its cyber safety education program to trainee teachers, with the introduction of a new program.
Acting chair of ACMA, Chris Cheah, said the new program builds on the Cybersmart Internet Safety Awareness presentations, which 55,000 teachers, parents and students have attended.
“This new program will equip trainee teachers with the skills they will need to manage cyber safety education and awareness issues in Australian schools today,” Cheah said in a statement.
“Teachers-in-training also need access now to up-to-date knowledge, skills and practical advice on cyber safety as they will go on to teach core safety skills to Australian children.”
Topics to be taught include cyber bullying, communicating safely, safe social networking, exposure to inappropriate content and e-security.
The program is part of the Rudd Government's $125.8 million cyber safety plan which includes the Cybersmart website launched earlier this year.
Communications minister, Stephen Conroy, has also announced a Youth Advisory Group, made up of 305 youths, to advise the Government on cyber bullying issues.
A pilot of the program for trainee teachers will be run at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) campuses in NSW and in Canberra this week.
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