Telstra Says No To Cyber-Bullying

Telstra has donated $3 million to its Spotlight on Cyber Safety program in an effort to keep children safe from cyber-bullying.
Telstra Foundation Chairman, Herb Elliott, said that the funding would allow children and young people to enjoy using technology, while empowering them to protect themselves them from the dangers present in the digital world.
 
“The Spotlight on Cyber Safety program was created two years ago with $3 million to tackle the emerging issue of youth safety online and on mobile phones Today we underline that commitment by doubling the funds available to community programs that empower and protect children in the digital world. These funds will enable us to continue to support initiatives that build resilience, teach online safety, and provide advice and initiatives to support youth cyber safety,” Elliott said.
 
One of the latest beneficiaries is The Inspire Foundation’s Technology and Wellbeing Roundtable, an Australian first initiative. The Roundtable brings together thought leaders, who collaborate to share insight into how technology can be an enabler of well-being for young people, and identify possible issues to then develop and promote best practice. 
 

The Inspire Foundation’s CEO Kerry Graham said: “This funding injection recognises that technology is as an enabler of wellbeing for children and young people, and that all parts of the community need to become aware of the opportunities and risks associated with this growing part of children’s lives. For the Inspire Foundation, it means we can devote additional staffing resources to the Roundtable, which will assist us to engage relevant community sectors to research, share and promote best practice approaches.”
 
The latest beneficiaries of Telstra Foundation’s Spotlight on Cyber Safety grants are:

• Berry Street’s BeNetWise: $206,000 to assist vulnerable children in out of home care who have not had access to the internet, to develop skills and protective behaviours to access and use technology safely.
• SuperClubsPLUS Australia: $500,000 for ongoing operation of this protected social networking and online learning community. The site has been supported by the Telstra Foundation since its 2008 launch and currently has 70,000 primary school children as members.
• Inspire Foundation’s Technology and Wellbeing Roundtable: $145,000 to support this forum, the only one of its kind in Australia. The Roundtable brings together thought leaders, who work to promote evidence-based and best practice approaches to young people’s positive engagement with technology.