New digital licence program to teach young children about online safety

A FREE digital literacy program helping young learners to safely navigate the online world has been made available to primary school students across Australia.

The new eSmart Digital Licence+ has been created for children aged four to nine and aims to equip them with the essential skills they need to traverse the online realm safely, responsibly and respectfully.

The program is broken down into a series of animated videos and hands-on activities to assist students to achieve their digital licence, and can be delivered in classrooms with or without technology.

These activities focus on teaching children how to evaluate harmful digital material, communicate safely and set boundaries, while displaying positive online behaviour and healthy technology habits.

Developed by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping children live free from violence and trauma – the eSmart Digital Licence+ has been designed in collaboration with educators and almost 1,000 school children and builds on an advanced version of the program already available to students aged 10 to 14.

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland visited Queenscliff’s St Aloysius School last week with Corangamite federal member Libby Coker to launch the educator-led program, which has been funded by a $6 million investment from the federal government.

“By empowering children as young as four years old with the skills they need to navigate the challenges of the digital world, we are building a young generation of Australians who will be better equipped to engage safely online,” Ms Rowland said.

“These eSmart products are so valuable in helping young Australians to think critically about what they see and do online, helping them to have safer experiences.

“These programs are freely available to all Australian schools, not just those that can afford them.

“I encourage schools to reach out to the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to take advantage of these helpful resources.”

Ms Coker described the program as a “pen licence for the online world”.

“Our children are growing up in a digital world full of incredible opportunities, with virtual places to learn, to make friends and to explore new interests,” she said.

“But, just as in the real world, children face risks.

“As a former teacher, I know just how important it is to guide children safely through these virtual platforms, helping them to build confidence and act responsibly online.”

She said this was where the eSmart Digital Licence+ program could play an important role.

“Just as children learn and gain the right to use a pen in school, this licence equips children with the knowledge to safely navigate the internet.

“I encourage all our local schools to reach out to the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, or get in touch with my office, to take advantage of these helpful resources.”

Schools and teachers interested in the eSmart program can head to esmart.org.au or phone the Alannah & Madeline Foundation on 1300 720 747.