A school-based program organised by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Microsoft and ninemsn to protect children from the darker aspects of cyberspace is to go national.
Existing cyber-safety program ThinkUKnow will be rolled out across Australia to help educate children about online sex offenders, cyber bullies and scammers.
The project involves AFP and Microsoft volunteers providing free interactive training sessions to help parents, carers and teachers educate children about cyber-safety and security.
A pilot program had been operating in NSW, Victoria and the ACT. Today's launch marked the goal of rolling out the program to the other states and territories throughout 2010. Ninemsn is a new partner in the project which will use its network to raise awareness of the program in the community.
Microsoft chief security adviser Stuart Strathdee said the national roll-out was an important step in ensuring the internet was a safe place for children and families.
"We teach and encourage children to look and listen before crossing the road and the same basic principles apply when it comes to the internet," Strathdee said.
"The hope is that young people will be confident going to their parents when they have a problem online, and parents will have a better understanding of how to deal with these issues and where they can go for help," AFP commissioner Tony Negus said.
"The AFP will also continue to work closely with industry, government, and local and international law enforcement agencies to protect children online through education initiatives and operations against online sex offenders."