Souths Cares is launching a brand-new initiative in partnership with the eSafety Commissioner to promote safe internet use for primary and high school students throughout Australia.
The Souths Cares charity was one of only eight not-for-profit organisations in Australia to receive funding under the Federal Government’s Online Safety Grants program. The Grants Program was created to improve online safety for Australian children which has become increasingly important with more online activity occurring as a result of COVID-19.
The new initiative will involve Souths Cares delivering Cyber Safety workshops to 15,000 school students in 2021 as well as hosting weekly live stream workshops which will be publicly accessible and free for anyone in Australia.
Alex Rosenbaum, Health and Wellbeing Programs Coordinator will be facilitating the project with the support of two former Rabbitohs players and Cyber Safety Ambassadors – Rhys Wesser and Yileen Gordon. Workshops will focus on a range of important topic areas such as cyberbullying, trolling, online scams, sexting and gaming addiction.
Alex Rosebaum said there was a strong need to address issues such as Cyberbullying.
“With one in every five young reporting they have been bullied online, it’s important we educate school students about problematic internet use and the steps they can take to keep themselves safe online,” said Rosenbaum.
Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner said sport and positive role models were an effective combination to create social change.
“This project will make a valuable contribution to the Australian Government’s commitment to keeping children and young people safe online by integrating online safety education with sport in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," said Inman.
"Strong role models play an important role in influencing the behaviours of children and young people who may be difficult to reach."
For all program enquires and bookings, please contact Alex Rosenbaum at [email protected]
