Saferinternet.at is the Austrian Awareness Node. Starting in 2005 its main focus has been on involving all relevant Austrian players, developing key awareness tools and establishing a media presence.

93% of the Austrians between 14 and 19 years use the Internet. 94% of the Austrians under the age of 30 use mobile phones. According to a Eurobarometer study in 2004, a special characteristic of Austria is that parents apply very few rules concerning the use of the Internet. And just 25% of families feel the need to be more informed about Internet safety. But on the other hand, almost 40% do not know where to report illegal or harmful content.

The basic Saferinternet.at strategy is to focus on parents and teachers. We believe that improvement in critical thinking and online behaviour is best achieved through empowering their supportive role.

This month’s issue focuses on the topic of media literacy.


Author: Bernhard Jungwirth, Saferinternet.at
 

Canadians get Web Aware
The Canadian Media Awareness Network (MNet) offers a wealth of resources for teachers, parents and and kids. The aim is to help young people develop an informed and critical approach to using the Internet and other media.
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Young Danes develop media skills
The Internet is a medium that requires a complex set of skills. Danish young people use the Internet to a great extent and therefore must be educated in media competences.
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Weblogs teach children basic media skills
A British school does it. Danish schools will see it soon. Weblogs as educational tools are on the rise.
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Safe sites for kids
It is widely agreed that pornographic or violent content is unsuitable for children. There are however a number of other criteria that can be used to determine if a website is appropriate for younger surfers.
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New node to make Internet 'friendlier' in Lithuania
A new national node for safety awareness has been launched in Lithuania. Partners held a press conference on 29 August 2005 to present their programme and reveal research that shows an increasing number of children and younger teenagers are going online.
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Handysektor.de addresses mobile safety
Over 90% of 12-19 year olds in Germany have a mobile phone. Now that many mobile phones allow access to online services, they need to be aware of certain risks associated with the technology.
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NetAlert Expo – touring Australia for children’s www.ellbeing
NetAlert is currently touring Australia on a National Internet safety training and awareness campaign. Each State and Territory will be visited where workshops and seminars will be held for community groups, parents and families, teachers and librarians.
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SECURE 2005 conference
25-26 October 2005
Warsaw, Poland
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NetAlert Expo
Next stop: October 2005
Queensland, Australia
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Saferinternet.at launches SMS blocking service
Premium-rate SMS services have attracted a number of complaints and a lot of media attention in Austria. Saferinternet.at has worked with partners to develop a service to block unsolicited commerical messages.
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About Insafe
Insafe is a European network of 20 countries, dedicated to raising awareness of Internet safety. The network includes a broad range of organisations, including charities, universities and media councils.

The Insafe network is coordinated by European Schoolnet, and supported by the European Commission’s Safer Internet Programme.

Further information about the Insafe network and its members is available on the Insafe Portal.