Site to save smartphone mistakes, regret and danger
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The number of Australian teens using their smartphones to access the internet has shot up over the last few years, but unfortunately so has the rate at which embarrassing photos and videos are ending up online.
With around half a million young people using mobiles online each month, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched a series of informational guides on how to stay safe as they navigate the strange new world.
'So You Got Naked Online' helps parents and teenagers deal with the emerging phenomenon of ‘sexting’; when and how it is appropriate, and how to avoid the pitfalls which can damage young relationships and lives.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications, Paul Fletcher. launched the suite of apps, infographics and educational resources at an event in Sydney over the weekend.
“The Cybersmart resources are designed to help parents and teens ask the right questions and make smart decisions about how, when and what they share online,” Fletcher said.
He says the launch of the handy guidelines shows; “the Government is progressing its election commitments in relation to online safety... and will be issuing a discussion paper shortly.”
Senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales’ Journalism and Media Research Centre, Dr Kath Albury, was asked about the new risks and consequences brought about by the current technological generation.
“It’s the same as other areas of sexuality or relationships. We have to trust, that's part of the fabric of relationships, but often, you know, especially at a young age, we trust someone who isn't really worthy of our trust and that's part of the learning experience,” she said.
“That's not saying it's okay, but that's why people do in some cases take the risk... for some young people, too, sending the image feels a lot safer than physical sexual interaction. It's a form of safe experimentation for them,” Dr Albury added.
Executive manager of ACMA's Cybersmart program, Andree Wright, says the tools help people enjoy and express themselves online with the least personal risk.
“It gives them a range of helpful advice for how to locate for example where their photos are, who they can talk to and for example the ACMA's Cybersmart program offers online counselling for young people with trained psychologists so they can work through the issues,” Ms Wright said.
The internet is of course a dangerous area for young people, legally speaking as well.
“Part of the problem in Australia is the lack of clarity around images of people under 18, where any image of a person under 18 is potentially child pornography under Commonwealth laws,” Dr Albury said.
“This has potentially the effect of deterring victims from reporting a non-consensual sharing of a photo because they feel they may be charged as well.”