New Triple P to tackle cyberbullying

Queensland parents, carers and school students will soon have access to more information and advice on how to deal with cyberbullying.

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said Triple P International would receive more than $696,000 to expand its Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) to deliver the new modules until 30 June 2023, in line with Recommendation 10 from the Australian first Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce’s report.

“Every parent wants to be the best parent they can be, but I often hear from parents who say they would like a bit of extra support and information to help them parent,” Ms Farmer said.

“The Premier’s Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce also made it clear that parents are at the front line when it comes to addressing cyberbullying.

“Triple P is an amazing resource for parents that we’re proud to fund, and with this extra funding they’ll be able to support parents even more around two issues that many parents are grappling with.

“Cyberbullying is an issue that many parents feel they need a bit of support with, especially navigating online platforms to help their children to interact safely online.

“Triple P will host more than 280 seminars for parents and carers at state schools all around the state beginning this year and incorporating the new modules.

“They will also train up to 100 school staff who can deliver the programs across the state.

“New Triple P parent tip sheets on Digital Wellbeing and Screentime will also be made available to Queensland parents and carers.

“This extra support will be available to parents all over Queensland, no matter where you live, so you can help your children stay safe and healthy.”

Ms Farmer said the latest funding was in addition to the Palaszczuk Government’s investment of almost $12 million for Triple P International to train practitioners to deliver its universal parenting program via phone consultations, one-on-one sessions or group sessions.

Since the Queensland Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce report, the Government has committed nearly $3.5 million to initiatives to protect children from cyberbullying, including:

• $1.2 million over for years for parenting programs, education programs and phone counselling services and the continuation of school guidance officers
• $440,000 to yourtown to employ a full-time cyberbullying consultant through until June 2023Funding for a second round of grants to support young people and community organisations to deliver initiatives to reduce cyberbullying
• $1 million in funding for school-based cyber safety programs

Ms Farmer said the $1 million in funding for school-based cyber safety programs would make grants available to schools.

“In a special partnership with Dolly’s Dream Foundation and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, we are also rolling out the eSmart Schools program in our schools,” she said.

“Schools can now register, and we are calling especially on rural and regional schools to get on board so we can stop cyberbullying in all corners of our state and educate all of our children that it is unacceptable.”

Triple P International Program Director Carol Markie-Dadds said the new tipsheets would be a welcome addition to the extensive list of topics available to Queensland parents and carers.

“Cyberbullying is a hot topic and these new tipsheets and extra seminars will give parents tools and strategies to help their children make healthier choices now and in the future,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

“We look forward to delivering these exciting new program enhancements.”

Queensland families can find a local session, provider or access free online Triple P programs at www.triplep-parenting.net

Media Contact:  Jim Devine 3719 7336 or 0427 475 089