Emma Husar (Lindsay, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today is Safer Internet Day, which encourages us all to promote safe and respectful practices online. With cyberbullying an ever-pressing issue, we need to combat online harassment and stop online bullying. These are the calls from members of my community. Children and adults deserve a positive online and offline environment. The theme this year is: 'Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you.' I'm a parent raising the first generation of social media users, not a position I take lightly or enjoy very often. We all have a responsibility to keep our kids safe whilst using the internet, the same way we keep them safe offline—all of us, included in a collective way to protect our kids online. As an MP I'm often surprised at the behaviour on my own social media by adults who make inappropriate comments and threats. Our kids see this. They see what we do and they copy us. Being a good role model for our kids online is just as important as being a good role model offline. Our kids need parents and grown-ups to demonstrate safe views and teach them to use the tools respectfully and with responsibility, the same way we teach our kids to ride a bike with training wheels and helmets, the same way we teach them to learn to swim with paddleboards and floaties. The internet is absolutely no different, and I encourage everybody to do what they can to keep our kids safe.