An interactive presentation to keep Southern Highland's young people safe on line will take place on Safer Internet Day on February 11.
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The presentation will be hosted by PCYC NSW and the NSW Police and Youth Crime Prevention Command.
The presentations will be delivered by Police to parents and young people across all 64 PCYC Clubs, including PCYC Southern Highlands, as part of the state-wide prevention initiative.
The presentations are based on the Australian Federal Police (AFP) program ThinkUKnow, Australia's only nationally delivered crime prevention program.
The ThinkUKnow cyber safety program bridges the knowledge gap between adults and young people so that everyone has an understanding of the roles they play and what they can do if something goes wrong online.
"Cyber safety is a growing issue for young people, parents and the community. PCYC NSW works closely with young people and families across the state so we believe it is our responsibility to provide them with the information they need to combat issues around cyberbullying, sharing information online especially images that may be compromising, and developing respectful and safe relationships," said Dominic Teakle, CEO, PCYC NSW.
"Through the many digital channels available these days we all have access to a virtually limitless world. Parents and young people should be aware of the risks associated with this access. For many young people online interactions are as important as face-to-face ones. We want to empower them to manage their online relationships and develop safe and appropriate behaviour through open and honest discussions."
The NSW Police Youth and Crime Prevention Command is sending this timely reminder to everyone planning to socialise or conduct transactions online.
"It is important to be cautious at all times. We urge all online users to have strong security measures in place, with a password containing letters, numbers and symbols and make sure all your software is up to date," said Acting Superintendent Mark Wall, Youth and Crime Prevention Command, NSW Police.
"Avoid giving out personal details when possible and ensure that you have a secure connection before conducting any online transactions.
"It is important to remind your friends and family that before posting images and information online, it is almost impossible to remove them."
Celebrated globally in 130 countries, Safer Internet Day is coordinated in Australia by the office of the eSafety
Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. Internationally it is coordinated by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission, and national Safer Internet Centres across Europe.
The free Safer Internet Day interactive presentation at PCYC Southern Highlands will be held on Tuesday February 11 2020 at 7pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend, especially young people, parents, caregivers, grandparents, schools, and P and C Committees.
Safer Internet Day Factsheet
- 87% of Australians access the internet everyday
- 60% of young people have trouble sleeping after using social media
- 50% of teenagers experience fear of missing out (FOMO)
- 11% of adult Australians have experienced image-based abuse
The Australian Institute of Criminology conducted a study into young people and sexting. Out of a sample of 2,000 respondents between the ages of 13 to 18 years, this study found that:
- Almost half (49%) reported having sent a sexual picture or video of themselves to another party.
- Two thirds (67%) reported having received a sexual image.
- Sexting was prevalent among all age groups, however 13-15 year olds were particularly likely to receive sexual images.
- Most sexting occurred between partners in committed relationships.
- The young people reported the practice of sexting as a consensual and enjoyable part of their intimate relationships.
All statistics from the Australian Federal Police website https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/ and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
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