The Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Cybersmart program tomorrow premieres its cybersafety videos, #GameOn, simultaneously across classrooms Australia-wide.
It is the first coordinated virtual launch for school students via state education departments’ ‘virtual classroom’ platforms and the Cybersmart website.
#GameOn is a series five intertwined stories for eight to12 year olds that follows a group of school friends who find themselves in situations that catch them off-guard and shows them the consequences of making poor decisions online.
Introduced by ABC3 presenter Kayne Tremills, the stories tackle topics including cyberbullying, excessive gaming, sharing passwords, free downloads and online friends.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications, Paul Fletcher, MP, has welcomed the release of #GameOn. ‘In my conversations with teachers and parents, I am regularly told that they have to spend significant time in dealing with cyberbullying and disputes on social media,’ Mr. Fletcher said.
‘In line with the Australian government’s commitment to enhance online safety for children, I commend #GameOn as a tool you can use with your children or students to raise awareness of online safety issues, and to help students navigate the online world safely and with confidence.’
‘#GameOn introduces a deeper level of awareness of cybersafety issues to children in a fun, realistic and interactive way,’ said ACMA Deputy Chairman and cybersafety spokesperson, Richard Bean.
‘The way our kids use and experience online technologies can leave a long-lasting impression and affect a young person’s wellbeing and digital reputation. #GameOn will help young Australians understand the need to take personal and social responsibility for their online actions.’
#GameOn is accompanied by discussion guides, lesson plans, character reflection interviews and a behind the scenes ‘making-of’ video.
Schools are encouraged to use the #gameonlaunch hashtag on social media to show how their class participates in the national launch and to engage with other schools.
This is the ACMA’s second film about cybersafety. Tagged, released in 2011, targets 14 year olds and over. Its teen audience (and their teachers) have responded strongly to Tagged as an important education resource. It has also won numerous local and international awards.
For more information, and to view the #GameOn episodes and resources, please visit www.cybersmart.gov.au/gameon.