Act for Kids welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of a porn passport trial as a significant step forward in protecting children and young people online.
The research shows that content targeted towards young people is promoting gendered violence and misleading information about relationships and sex.
While a positive step forward, these measures do not go far enough and must include primary prevention and psychoeducation.
The trial will help stop young people from looking at content, but it does not help them understand why the content is not OK, or what is OK in consent, relationships and sex.
That is why we urgently need investment in early education programs teaching children, particularly young boys, about respectful relationships.
It is also important to note that much of the harmful content is targeted to young people on social media rather than porn specific sites.
That is why age verification technology must be expanded to include social media sites.
This is something Act for Kids will continue to advocate for.
Quotes can be attributed to Act for Kids Executive Director Service Strategy and Growth, Thomas McIntyre
Act for Kids encourages parents and guardians to have a frank conversation with their children about the dangers the internet can pose.
Here are three simple steps to keep kids safe online:
– Secure household devices by setting passwords or child-locks on kids’ devices. This includes smart fridges, gaming consoles and even Google Home.
– Supervise children online and monitor the material they are accessing by keeping devices in a shared family area. This will assist to regularly check their privacy settings and internet search limitations as well as yours.
– Discuss strategies that can be used to stay safe and keep others safe online.
For more information, visit: https://www.actforkids.com.au/get-help/
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For any media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact Melanie Whiting on:
M: 0427 794 666
E: melanie.whiting@actforkids.com.au