Website helps young Queenslanders act smart about safety

The Bligh Government is using the power of the Internet to tackle violence, bullying and harassment among young Queenslanders.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the new Act Smart Be Safe website had been set up as a gateway for teachers, parents, students and the community to access information to help improve the safety of young people.

“Violence in any form is unacceptable and our Government will do everything in its power to keep young Queenslanders safe,” Mr Welford said.

“However, youth violence is a community problem and it needs a collaborative approach to develop prevention strategies that work. This website encourages parents and the community to play a greater role in keeping young people safe.”

Mr Welford said the website was one of the recommendations of the Youth Violence Taskforce set up to tackle the issue of violence in the community, including alcohol and youth violence, and inappropriate behaviour.

“Young people said it would be useful to have a “one-stop-shop” for information about these issues and this new website provides a range of helpful tips and advice.

“It has information for young people and parents about Schoolies, partying safely, and anti-bullying strategies and the impact of technology such as YouTube and mobile phones.”

Police Minister Judy Spence said education programs about safety were vital to reducing youth violence.

“More than 100 students from schools across the state’s south-east were involved in a Youth Violence Taskforce forum last year to discuss the issue of violence among young people,” Ms Spence said.

“It was their recommendation that a website be developed to give students and their parents clear and practical advice about how to combat violence among young people.

“This is part of a wider campaign to ensure our young people act smart and be safe.

“The website gives smart and useful advice for young people to help them to make the right decision when confronted with violence and inappropriate behaviour.”

The website has been developed by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts and will be updated regularly to include positive case studies, including successful programs in schools, resources for teachers, and state and national campaigns such as Bullying. No Way!

For more information, go to www.education.qld.gov.au/actsmartbesafe

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985