A representative from the new federal government office that addresses cyber-bullying will speak to parents, teachers and health professionals in Albury next week about young people navigating online platforms.
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The office of the E-safety Commissioner has been investigating complaints of online abuse since 2015 and revealed this year one in five young people have been targeted online.
E-safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant told Fairfax Media last week the average age of complaints to her office by young people was 14.
"Our experience shows that complaints are becoming much more complex, urgent and serious,” she said.
“About a quarter of the reports that have come into our office include direct threats of violence or harm targeted at a child.
“We need to reinforce key values with children in the home whilst integrating similar principles into the curriculum throughout a child’s pre-K-12 educational journey.”
Greg Gebhart, a senior trainer at the E-safety Office, will speak at a free session on Tuesday facilitated by the Zonta Club of Albury-Wodonga and Albury Council.
Mr Gebhart holds a Masters in Computer Education, was the regional manager for the Victorian Industry and Education Partnerships program, and has presented to more than 500,000 participants at state, national and international events.
He will cover topics including stranger danger, cyber-bullying, “sexting”, identifying age appropriate apps and relevant privacy settings, managing screen times and having conversations about these issues.
Zonta Club of Albury-Wodonga president Adrienne Dyall encouraged parents to attend the free talk.
“Everybody knows the positives of the internet, but there is a dark side and people need to be aware of that,” she said.
To book a place in the talk, taking place at Albury Council from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday, go to: trybooking.com/XMUJ.