Rules To Keep children safe from Cyber Bullying

Media Release July 10thh 2008

New Rules To Help Keep children safe from Cyber Bullying

TelstraClear has joined with an international e-learning expert and cyber safety advocate to launch a program to assist parents in ensuring their children are less vulnerable while online.

To play its part in keeping kids safe online TelstraClear has also introduced a new access policy for its ISP customers, filtering access to child sex abuse sites.

Recent international research shows: * Up to 34% of children have been bullied or harassed online* * One in seven children aged between eight and 17 years old say they have come across harmful or inappropriate material online** * 57% of parents are unsure where to get information to help protect their children while online**

Dr Martyn Wild, internationally recognised e-learning expert and cyber safety advocate, said a parent not knowing the 'do's and don'ts' of how to safely surf the net was like letting your child play in traffic.

"The internet provides incredible opportunities to communicate, be creative and to learn and to have fun," Dr Wild said. "But just like putting a helmet on before riding a bike or putting sunscreen on at the beach there are some fundamental rules parents should observe to make sure it's a safe experience."

"Children are by their very nature, risk takers. Parents need to know how to help their children manage the risks they face every time they are online".

"With modern telecommunications cyber bullying can follow children where ever they go and the anonymity that often accompanies it adds another stressful element for children to face."

Dr Wild and TelstraClear have moved to provide practical, easy to understand, guidance for parents. Dr Wild has framed five ways to become a savvy internet parent and five ways to help protect your child online.

That will be backed by Dr Wild holding free public seminars in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland next week.

TelstraClear Head of Corporate Services Mathew Bolland said international research shows that children are accessing the web younger and staying online longer.

"Telecommunications is transforming the world and the way we communicate. TelstraClear wants to help parents keep pace with that change, understand online technology and assist them to create a safe online environment for their child at home," Mr Bolland said.

"The internet is a marvellous resource and we want to ensure it is as safe a place as possible for children," Mr Bolland said.

DID YOU KNOW INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SHOWS: * 99% of children 8-17 years have regular access to the Internet** * 12-15 year olds have doubled their use of the Internet over just two years** * almost 50% of children 12-15 years have given out personal information online**

ENDS

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