The DBCDE has commissioned the Child Health Promotion Research Centre at Edith Cowan University to conduct a ‘major review’ of Australian and international research on cyber-safety. Here’s a snippet from the Government’s press release:
“The Rudd Government has committed to a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to cyber-safety policies and it is important that this is informed by a sound understanding of the risks facing children in the online environment,” said Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications, and the Digital Economy.
The research project will be undertaken through the Child Health Promotion Research Centre at Edith Cowan University and overseen by Professor Donna Cross, one of Australia’s leading researchers in the field of child health.
The project will review current research on matters such as the nature and prevalence of cyber-safety issues, such as cyber-bullying, online predators and the disclosure of personal information.
Edith Cowan University will also explore views on the consequences of these risks, and what technical and behavioural measures can be used by children, parents and teachers to help reduce them.
“The Government has always recognised that there is no silver bullet to improve cyber-safety and this research will help us to implement the range of measures put forward in our comprehensive cyber-safety plan,” Senator Conroy said.
4 comments
Simon says:
Feb 23, 2009
Perhaps they could have done this before deciding we should have mandatory internet content filtering?
Kyle says:
Feb 23, 2009
I’m hoping this is a precursor for labor to allow them selves to drop this idiotic plan of ISP filtering. I wont hold my breath.
Syd Walker says:
Feb 23, 2009
Decision first, inquiry after. It seems to be a bit of a habit for the Rudd Government (eg. greenhouse and the emissions trading scheme).
Better not grumble too much, I suppose, or they might cancel this review too.
But it is worth asking whether there will be any opportunity for meaningful input by all interested persons into ECU’s review?
Who will work on the project? As far as I can see, it’s the first occasion the Child Health Promotion Research Centre has delved into this topic. Who will it employ to advise and to write the report? Clive Hamilton?
In normal circumstances, it would be no big deal if a University starts a new research project with some help from the Government. But these aren’t normal times. This is a highly politicized issue, thanks to Conroy et al. The media release is Conroy’s, not ECU’s.
Some oversight is not unreasonable, to make sure the Government is not trying to rort this new process before it begins. And yes, such a thing does happen in real life. Quite often.
Australian Government will block RC content under mandatory ISP filtering - Somebody Think Of The Children says:
Feb 23, 2009
[...] the recently commissioned cyber-safety research from ECU, the cost of the consultation will be $97,700 with the first draft is expected in April and the [...]