Are you a good digital citizen?

Update - Check out these videos!

Yesterday I shared some thoughts on digital citizenship and how we can all be smart, safe and responsible online. Today, I wanted to share with you some new videos on the ACMA’s Cybersmart YouTube channel. These videos were produced by Google and YouTube, and feature some cool animation as well as tips and tricks for navigating the online world safely. Check them out and share them with your kids, friends or students today!

Are you a good digital citizen?

Shortly after I got up this morning, I checked my email and read today’s news headlines online. On the train on the way to work I messaged a friend about our dinner plans for Saturday, and now that I’m here at work I’ve got Gmail and Twitter open and I just watched a YouTube video about computer security from Hector’s World.

For all of us, more and more of our interaction is happening online. It’s simple, fast and we can always be connected to our friends, family, colleagues or customers. Just as we learn road rules, or how to swim, we need to know what it means to be a good digital citizen, so we can navigate the online world safely and effectively.

Digital citizenship is about understanding at a basic level (at least basic for the non-techies like me!) the technology we are using and how to make the most of the information it connects us to. It’s about making a positive contribution to our online communities and being aware of the risks we might face online and how to manage them. All of this means that we have the skills and capabilities that help us be smart, safe and responsible online.

Connecting people with information and resources to help us stay safe online is something the Australian Government has been working on. Today Minister Conroy launched the cybersafety help button. You might like to download the button - it will give you quick access to help and information on cybersafety. Once downloaded, it sits on the computer desktop or within the taskbar. When you click the button, you are taken directly to a web page where you can ‘talk’, ‘report’ or ‘learn’ about cybersafety issues. The idea is to provide easy to understand and relevant information, advice and reporting functions - encouraging us all to “be safe, to be smart, and to play our part” in creating a safe online world.

So we encourage you to download the cybersafety help button today.

Posted by Ishtar Vij, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Australia & New Zealand