Luke Simpkins has been appointed to a Coalition working group to review Online Safety for Children and Young People.

“Given the large role the internet and social media currently plays in children and teenager’s learning and communicating, I am proud to be part of this working group which aims to assist parents, carers and teachers to better protect young people online,” said Luke Simpkins MP.

The review will look into the challenges facing parents, schools and regulators and will consult with key technology, education and cyber-safety leaders, parents and young people before reporting back by mid-2012.

“Parents want their children to be safe, however many find that they are ill-equipped to protect their children from the dangers and risks of the internet and social media,” said Mr Simpkins.  “As a father of two young children I recognise the importance of raising the understanding and awareness of cyber safety.” 

“This working group will help assist and equip parents and teachers in their work of protecting local children and youth from illegal or inappropriate content, social media and exposure to online predictors,” Mr Simpkins said. 

Over the coming months, the working group will undertake roundtables and community forums across Australia, including one in Perth, as well as a series of events online.

“I encourage members of the public to contact me if they have any feedback on how cyber technology is influencing our local community and if they would like to be involved in the online safety review,” concluded Mr Simpkins.

Ends.

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