Marino's focus on cyber safety

Forrest MHR Nola Marino spent last Tuesday at St Anne's Primary School in Harvey to inform people about cyber safety.

She said problems caused through a lack of cyber safety and cyber bullying were on the rise and should be discussed within families before children had access to an electronic device.

Mrs Marino, who is passionate about the issue, has held more than 250 talks in the past few years and is working with the Australian Federal Police to increase awareness of the dangers of using social media, online games or surfing the internet without protecting personal data.

Her message to the children was to be smart, safe and responsible when posting on social media or writing a message.

"If it hurts someone, don't send it because you must assume that it will be there forever," she said.

"The number of children being bullied online is worrying and if you are bullied, ignore it, delete it but save it and tell someone.

"Only talk to people known to you online and never, ever agree to meet someone in person you have only met online."

Mrs Marino told the children, online criminals and hackers collected information on their victims and every time a person posted new information, it was updated.

She said even built-in cameras and blue tooth, when switched on, could be used to gain access to information on the mobile phone or tablet owner.

"It is important children know from an early age how to protect themselves when accessing the internet and they can then help their parents or grandparents increase their cyber safety," she said.

Mrs Marino's full day at the school concluded with a parent information session.