The Australian Government believes student wellbeing and safety are essential for academic and social development. All students should be able to learn and develop in safe, supportive and respectful environments. Australian schools, families and communities all have a responsibility to provide safe online environments and teach children how to use technology in positive and productive ways.
The Australian Government funded The Alannah and Madeline Foundation to conduct a national pilot of an approach to cybersafety for Australian Schools. The eSmart pilot’s aim was to educate schools and parents about the risks of using modern technologies and how these risks can be avoided or managed. It focused on positive ways to use technology in school environments and to identify areas where schools could be supported to promote the smart and safe use of technology.
State and territory education authorities have the flexibility to consider the take up of eSmart or other similar programs to promote cybersafety in schools.
The Queensland Government announced on Monday 14 March 2011 that eSmart will be rolled out to all Queensland state schools by The Alannah and Madeline Foundation in partnership with the Queensland State Government.
On 12 April 2011, the Victorian Government also announced $10.5 million of funding to promote the eSmart program across Victorian schools.
The final report of the eSmart pilot is available here:
Schools involved in the pilot are listed below: