Program principles

Program principles

Program Principles

• Cybersmart is designed to support and encourage participation in the digital economy by providing information and education which empowers children to be safe online.
• It aims to develop “digital citizens” who are able to derive the benefits of online participation while taking responsibility for self-protection by understanding the potential consequences of online behaviour. Cyber-citizenship goes beyond safety and risk, and encompasses the notion of positive engagement in the online environment.
• With a focus on digital engagement, the program is not designed to tackle issues for which a specialist response is needed, and will defer to the expertise of others. Such issues may include cyber-crime (requiring an enforcement response) or self-harming behaviours (requiring a mental health response).
• Cybersmart programs are research based. We undertake regular research into the cybersafety information needs of young people, their parents and their teachers. We also pay attention to best practice research conducted nationally and internationally.
• All Cybersmart content and resources are created based on the same underlying principles: that these materials are of a high standard, consistent, audience-appropriate and well prepared. Materials are assessed by our audiences on how suitable, effective, and engaging they are, and how easy they are to use. All materials bearing the Cybersmart brand are high quality and carefully reviewed prior to publishing.
• As a program funded by the Australian Government, Cybersmart is required to meet high standards of transparency, probity and audit. Program effectiveness is assessed through a continuing evaluation program.
• Cybersmart looks actively to draw on the experience and skills of other internationally leading providers of Cybersafety education (for example NetSafe in New Zealand and Childnet International in the UK). Cybersmart will adapt and re-use materials and resources developed by such providers under appropriate agreements with the relevant providers where the materials are of high standard and directly meet the identified needs of the Cybersmart target audience.
• The ACMA will cooperate and collaborate with other organisations in Australia and overseas whose aims and approach are consistent with those of the Cybersmart program principles. In considering any such associations the ACMA will have regard to consistency of aims, approach and standards with the Cybersmart program and with the ACMA’s probity and transparency obligations as a Government agency.