Renowned cyber safety expert, Susan McLean spent four days in the Central Grampians region last week, educating the local community on how to protect themselves online.
A former member of Victoria Police, Ms McLean established Cyber Safety Solutions in 2007. The company has since become the most highly respected and in demand cyber safety consultancy in Australia.
Ms McLean’s visit was facilitated by Central Grampians LLEN and funded through the Victorian Government’s Engage! program grant and Grampians Community Health. It included targeted presentations for teachers, school students and parents in Ararat and Stawell.
Central Grampians LLEN Executive Officer, Jane Moriarty said the cyber safety sessions were designed to address growing issues such as online gaming, social media use and cyberbullying.
“Susan is internationally recognised as a leading expert in online safety, and we were very fortunate to have her come to our area for the second year in a row,” Ms Moriarty said.
“We know that internet use can be a minefield for young people and their parents and a lot of problems that occur online at home tend to have a flow-on effect in the classroom.
“Having Susan deliver consistent messages to students, parents and teachers is a great way to get everyone on the same page about online safety and ensure young people are aware of some of the common dangers lurking in cyberspace.”
Ms Moriarty said the sessions had already generated important conversations around online presence and digital reputation.
“We are so pleased that more than 800 of our primary and secondary school students had the opportunity to see a cyber safety presentation and more than 100 teachers attended staff sessions across Ararat and Stawell. Additionally, we had approximately 50 parents attend our two free community sessions.
“As a result, schools are having open discussions about what is appropriate online, and students have been going home and talking to their parents about what they learnt from Susan.”
Ms Moriarty said any community members who were unable to attend one of the sessions could visit Ms McLean’s website at www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au for valuable information on online safety.
For further information please contact:
Jessie Newton on 03 5352 3266 or email media@cgllen.org.au.
PHOTO: Ararat 800 Primary School Vice-Captain, Sarita (left) and School Captain, Byron (right) chat with cyber safety expert, Susan McLean (centre) after her senior school presentation last Thursday.