Fifty thousand preschool and early-years primary children (4-6years) are set to receive vital education on the importance of safety in an online environment, thanks to the Australian Government’s $9 million Online Safety Grants Program.
Dr Susie O’Neill said, the ‘Netys the Trusted eSafety Friend’ program was awarded $381,147 to empower more children and young people to stay safe online.
The innovative early-years online safety education program provides services and educational resources to 1,000 preschools and schools for children, parents, and educators.
The project is one of nine initiatives to share in $2.25 million in funding in the third and final round of the grants program, which is led by the eSafety Commissioner and complements its existing education programs.
Minister for Communications, the Hon. Michelle Rowland MP, said the not-for-profit sector plays an important role in supporting government to address complex social issues.
“These grants will help unlock each recipient’s unique expertise to create new channels and content addressing specific issues and age groups, helping us to reach more Australians with vital online safety education.”
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said she is excited to welcome nine new partners in online safety that share her passion for helping Australians to have positive and safe experiences online.
“We need to keep developing fresh ways to reach and educate Australians if we’re to keep pace with technology.
“Working with partners means more voices, more insights and more ways to inspire a generation of young people to scroll with safety online,” Ms Inman Grant said.
