June 2010     The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Stephen Conroy, today welcomed 50 students from across Australia who were in Canberra to advise the Government on cyber-safety issues.

The 2010 Cyber-Safety and Youth Advisory Group (YAG) Summit involves primary and secondary school members, along with their parents and teachers, who will provide their views on a range of Government cyber-safety programs and initiatives.

“The YAG Summit coincides with National Cyber Security Awareness Week and provides the Government with a great opportunity to consult with parents, teachers and young people on how to keep young Australians safe online,” Senator Conroy said.

“This is the second year of the YAG and I look forward to the contribution these young people will make to improving cyber-safety.  The Government’s recent expansion of cyber-safety education, awareness-raising and counselling services was informed by feedback and advice provided by YAG members in 2009.”

During the event, Senator Conroy launched a new Cyber-safety Help Button which provides internet users, particularly children and their parents, with easy access to relevant cyber?safety information and assistance.

“The YAG members will be testing the new Help Button and providing feedback to Government before the final version is released,” Senator Conroy said.

Senator Conroy also announced the establishment of a Teachers and Parents Advisory Group on Cyber-safety.

“The success of the YAG has led us to create a similar group for teachers and parents, and their advice will help us create cyber-safety policies and programs that can keep families safe online,” Senator Conroy said.

During the Summit, participants will be providing their views on the Teachers and Parents Advisory Group and other Government programs including the award winning budd:e cyber security education modules, the Australian Federal Police’s Thinkuknow program and the Australian Communication and Media Authority’s Click and connect research and resources.

The key findings from all of the consultations will be reported to the Minister and presented to the Consultative Working Group on Cyber-safety by representatives of the Youth Advisory Group.

From information provided by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, June 8, 2010.

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