Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Cyberbullying affects many of us, particularly young people, who are more vulnerable. Cyberbullying is when someone is tormented through any form of technology. Research shows that one-in-five children aged eight to 17 experiences cyberbullying, which, of course, is very worrying for all of us in this place. Because of my concern, I organise workshops on this issue, and more than 500 students and teachers in Geraldton took part in the cybersafety workshops held last week, thanks to the good grace of my colleague the member for Forrest. The workshops addressed the risks associated with social media like Facebook and Twitter, the child's digital footprint, what it means to be groomed online, unwanted contact, mobile phone security weaknesses, and scams. Essentially, the children learnt to be smart, safe and responsible when using technology. Although the teachers were alarmed by what they learnt, they will now learn to be more vigilant.

Continuing the safety theme, also last week, more than 50 people attended a community crime forum in Geraldton that the local police, the local council and I hosted. Crime is a hot topic in Geraldton and the forum served to get the issues on the table: improve communication across agencies; raise concerns with the loss of funding for successful programs; and promote measures that address local crime, such as the newly formed burglary and youth focus squads. It would come as no surprise to learn that the lack of basics such as food, clothing, shelter et cetera were considered causal factors of crime and unsociable behaviour. I urge sustainable funding for youth programs to help address the root causes. (Time expired)

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