Cybersafety research
In support of the Australian Government's cybersafety plan, $2.3 million was made available over four years for ongoing research into the changing digital environment to identify issues and target future policy and funding.
A request for tender for the review of existing Australian and international cybersafety research was awarded through a competitive tender process to Edith Cowan University in early 2009. The report 'Review of Existing Australian and International Cybersafety research' reviews findings that indicate:
- that cyberbullying is emerging as a significant risk to cybersafety for young people
- cybergrooming and sexual solicitation are potentially the most serious of all cybersafety contact risks.
The report also indicates there are significant gaps in many areas of cybersafety research, particularly about Australian conditions and including cyberbullying and cybergrooming.
The second research project is the development of a repeatable survey instrument and methodology for data collection on the changes in behaviour in relation to cybersafety, and relevant e-security, risks. Procurement for this project is currently underway.
