15 May New ‘Be Internet Awesome’ Program Helps Aussie Parents Teach Kids Online Safety
Google Australia has teamed up with Life Ed and Healthy Harold to launch a new initiative aimed at helping parents and teachers guide kids safely through the digital world.
A United Effort to Keep Kids Safe Online
With children spending more time than ever online, the risks of the digital world can feel overwhelming for parents. Now, thanks to a new collaboration between Google Australia and Life Ed, families across the country can access free, practical tools to build their children’s online safety skills at home and in the classroom.
The new Be Internet Awesome program offers easy-to-use lessons, games, and guides designed to help parents talk to their kids about everything from protecting personal information to spotting fake news.
Survey Reveals Parents Want More Support
According to Life Ed‘s 2024 Digital Safety Survey:
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Only 1 in 3 parents feel confident teaching their kids about online safety.
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Just 26% of teachers felt they could cover digital safety topics without extra help.
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A huge 88% of both teachers and parents agree that online safety education should be a team effort between schools and families.
Learning That Sticks – with Help from Trusted Adults
The program aligns with Life Ed’s curriculum-based modules used in primary schools across Australia. Karen Roberston, Head of Education and Impact at Life Ed, says involving parents is key.
“We know the best way for children to learn and retain safety skills is when trusted adults like parents and teachers are part of the process,” she said.
A Fun and Safe Way to Build Digital Skills
The Be Internet Awesome initiative also includes Interland – a free, interactive web-based game where kids can explore online worlds and learn how to make smart choices online. From creating strong passwords to understanding what’s safe to share, Interland makes digital safety education engaging and age-appropriate.
Rachel Lord from Google adds:
“We want to empower kids to make smart choices online, and give parents the confidence and tools to support them.”
Where to Access the Resources
Parents and teachers can explore the full suite of resources—family guides, lesson plans, and the Interland game—via the Be Internet Awesome (Families) (Teachers) page and the Life Ed Australia website.
