A social enterprise providing education and information to protect and enhance the mental health of young people
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) last week launched Let's Fight It Together, a government resource designed to combat cyberbullying. The resource which is available to schools includes a 40-page teacher's guide, featuring lesson plans, follow up activities and support material to help teachers write classes to educate students about cyberbullying, and a DVD, [...]
Professor Susan Greenfield, world renowned neuroscientist from the University of Oxford, discussed the impact that computer games can have on the brain in an interview on Lateline on the ABC last week. She concluded that video games change the game player’s mind, both in good and bad ways. Professor Greenfield described our brains as being [...]
An English psychologist has announced plans to start treating video game addicts within the fantasy worlds of the games they play. Richard Graham of the Tavistock Clinic, London, believes many addicted gamers do not realise they have a problem, and would benefit the most from someone who understands the game. The game World of Warcraft [...]
Cyber-bullying expert Dr Barbara Spears from the University of South Australia has called for improved technology education and earlier targeting of mental health problems for children in Australian schools. Dr Spears emphasised the increasing problem of cyberbullying however highlighted that banning technology from schools will not solve the problem. She believes instead that children must [...]
Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between mobile phones, but can also via internet applications such as MSN, email or social networking sites. In Australia, if the images are of a young person under the age of 18 years, the person taking the pictures, sending them, or possessing [...]
An Australian study has found children who frequently use mobile phones to send text messages are being taught to act impulsively and make mistakes as a result. The study of 317 Melbourne students aged between 11 and 14 found those who regularly send text messages were faster to respond to IQ style questions but were [...]
• DO NOT disclose personal or identifying information or photos! • Make sure that you shoulder surf! • Know where your child is in Cyberspace.... Just as you would in the real world! • You are the parent and you should be in charge. Visit my website for more cyber safety tips! Written by Susan [...]
• NEVER allow a computer in the BEDROOM! • Have a Family Online Contract! Set rules and consequences for breaches. • Filtering software is important but the most effective filter is Parental Supervision! • Social Networking Sites such as Facebook and Myspace MUST be set to PRIVATE! The top internet safety tips part 2 will [...]
The Australian government has announced a $3 million pilot project aimed at assessing and reducing cyber-bullying in Australian schools. The Australia-wide project is intended to educate students about cyber-bullying, monitor the prevalence and impact of cyber-bullying, and assess the effectiveness of current cyber-safety education programs. The project is being trialled in at least 150 schools [...]
For most people, playing video games is a harmless hobby. For some people however, video games can become an obsession, leading to a number of addictive tendencies including the preference to play games rather then engaging in regular activities. Unfortunately there is a lack of reliable studies examining video game addiction and so little is [...]
