A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will provide funding to continue free online safety training for school students and support to help children tackle body image issues.
A new $6 million Labor election commitment will ensure young Australians, their parents, carers and teachers continue to have access to evidence-based material, aligned with the national curriculum.
Thanks to support provided by the Albanese Government in the October 2022 Budget, the Alannah and Madeline Foundations eSmart program has already reached more than 100,000 students across the country.
The program supports students to build digital skills and intelligence, teaching them how to stay safe, smart and responsible in a digital world.
In addition to supporting the Alannah and Madeline Foundation to continue the eSmart initiative, a re-elected Federal Labor Government will explore ways to use this funding to invest in expanded digital literacy tools within schools.
This funding complements the already legislated minimum age for access to social media, a world-leading reform delivered by the Albanese Labor Government.
Teachers and schools interested in accessing eSmart can contact the Alannah & Madeline Foundation on 1300 720 747 or visit www.esmart.org.au
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said keeping children safe online was a high priority and the Albanese Government would continue to invest in tried-and-tested tools.
“Digital and media literacy are critical skills for all students and this funding will ensure schools in Blair have the resources to empower young people to stay safe online,” Mr Neumann said.
“No parent and no school should have to pay to get access to the evidence-based resources needed to keep children safe. This is why the Government has supported the eSmart initiative in 2022, and why we are proud to continue to do so.”
On top of this, a re-elected Federal Labor Government will invest $3.6 million to support the Embrace Kids Australia program to help tackle body image issues and counter an increase in young people having negative feelings about their physical appearance.
The Embrace Kids Australia project is a national initiative led by 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt, the co-CEO of The Embrace Collective, founder of the Body Image Movement and director of documentaries EMBRACE and EMBRACE KIDS.
Mr Neumann said the program provided children, parents, carers, teachers and coaches with tools to combat body image and body shaming issues before they arise, and was being delivered within early childcare, preschool, primary and high schools, sporting clubs and through community events.
“Any parent with young children or teenagers knows just how much their kids are bombarded with images and expectations of bodies and the way that can impact how their child feels about themselves,” he said.
“Teaching kids to celebrate how amazing their bodies are is a powerful way to dispel some of the negative, harmful body image messages out there, and help them to live happier, healthier lives now and in the future.”
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
