Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Post

In 2022, alcohol-related deaths were at a 10 year high across Australia. In the ACT, almost 50 percent of people accessing ATOD treatment services in 2023 identified alcohol as a drug of concern. And yet – we have seen very little shift in existing policies to reduce the harms of alcohol in our community. In this election ATODA is calling on all candidates to make alcohol harm reduction a priority and take the steps necessary to reform liquor licensing laws in the ACT. To read more about ATODA's 2024 Election Platform, click here: https://lnkd.in/gu5m-jGp #harmreduction #ACTelection2024 #sectorsustainability #housingfirst

Thanks to the recent update to AOD stats, we’re able to share a few points we’ve seen. First, the continuation of something we saw in the 2021/22 financial year. Ambulance attendance data shows that nearly half of all AOD-related call-outs in Victoria were related to alcohol - 46.9% in 2022/23, compared with 46% in 2021/22. The most common age groups for alcohol-related attendances were in the 45-54, and 35-44 categories, which was consistent for both males and females. If you or someone close to you is struggling, help is available. For alcohol and other drug support: 1800 250 015 or https://lnkd.in/eJR9tyt For crisis support: 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au

Today is Safer Internet Day!   There are three simple actions that you can take when approaching online safety: Connect. Reflect. Protect.     → Connect safely by keeping apps and devices secure and reviewing your privacy settings regularly.     → Reflect on how your actions online may affect others or your safety.     → Protect yourself and others by visiting eSafety.gov.au to find out how to stay safe online and report online abuse.    Why does the National Centre support Safer Internet Day? With the widespread and rapid uptake of technology, avenues for distributing child abuse materials and opportunities for grooming have increased. In fact, the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received over 40,000 reports of child sexual exploitation in 2022-23. The impacts of child sexual exploitation can be long lasting and devastating.     Join the global #SaferInternetDay initiative so that together, we can create safer online spaces. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gimH3e7 #hereforchange #SID2024 eSafety Commissioner

🛡️ 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 🛡️ In today's digital world, our kids are more connected than ever, earlier than ever before - but with that connection comes new risks. As parents and guardians, it's our responsibility to guide them safely through the online landscape. Here's a poster that might help. #CyberAwareness: 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲!

Whether they are using it for homework, gaming or socialising with friends, all children are reliant on devices these days, and it’s not just teenagers. Last April Ofcom research found that one in five three-year-olds own a smartphone, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, 11 to 14-year-olds spend an average of a whopping nine hours a day on screens. While it’s understandable to be concerned — indeed a study last year found 67% of parents worried about what their child was watching online — tablets and phones can be a force for good as well as harm. And in any case keeping a child off a screen in a digital age is idealistic and impractical, according to a systematic review of articles on the impact of technology on children’s health. So where should you draw the line? From screen time to Snapchat and WhatsApp, Antonia Hoyle asks the experts how to keep children safe online. Here's what they said ⬇️

Parents, you made it through to mid-week of half term, that deserves a massive round of applause 👏👏👏 🛜Online devices are of course being reached for especially as the weather is well...as we expect in the UK 🌧💨🌬 Our advice is to make sure you are aware of what your child is accessing and which privacy settings are activated. #OnlineSafety #onlinesafety #halfterm #internetsafety

🔎 With the substantial growth in reports of offenders targeting children through different social media platforms, Canadian Centre for Child Protection Inc. has issued a campaign, The Horse, to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated tech platforms. 💻 An increasing number of children now have their own smart phone. Many see these devices as essential tools for staying connected and ensuring safety. However, these devices can serve as Trojan Horses, offering offenders access to children, even in the privacy of their homes. ❗29% of children have had an adult or someone they did not know send them sexually explicit content online. Most often, they received this content on their own mobile phone (WeProtect Global Alliance, 2021). These disturbing results underline the importance of raising awareness of #onlinechildsexualabuse and strengthening regulations to #protectchildren. 💚 Take part in a short survey and tell us what you think should be done to protect children online: 🔗 link in the comments. #digitalsafety #trojanhorse #endCSAE #endCSAM

Parents should be aware of certain apps and games that can expose children to the risk of sexual predators or human trafficking due to their social interaction features. Open communication with children about the dangers online is crucial. Tips for Parents: Monitor Usage: Regularly check the apps and games your children are using. Set Boundaries: Establish rules for who your child can communicate with and what kind of information they can share online. Use Parental Controls: Many apps and devices have parental control settings that can restrict messaging and content. Have Open Conversations: Talk with your children about the risks of talking to strangers, sharing personal information, and the dangers of grooming and exploitation. Educate on Privacy Settings: Teach your children how to use privacy settings to protect themselves from unwanted attention. Staying informed and involved in your child’s online activities can help reduce the risks associated with these platforms. #ProtectKidsOnline #InternetSafety #DarkWatch #SocialMediaSafety #ChildProtection #TalkToYourKids #HumanTraffickingAwareness

To all parents, it's crucial to monitor your kid’s online activity. This helps protect them from inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Consider installing parental control apps to monitor and guide their digital behavior, ensuring they develop healthy internet habits. Click the bell to get notified and be updated for more tips like this! #OnlineSafety #ParentalControl #DigitalParenting #ATHomeTechnologyService

How safe do you think the internet is for children and young people? Children can face significant risks online. ⚠️ Social media, online chats, instant messaging, and gaming can expose children to dangers like interacting with strangers or encountering harmful content. ⚠️ Children can be vulnerable to cyberbullying, sextortion, and exposure to pornography online. A study by Thorn last year found that almost 50% of children had a potentially harmful online experience. Likewise, the eSafety Commissioner’s 2018 study showed that 38% of young people aged 8-17 chatted with someone they didn’t know, and 33% faced unwanted contact or content. It’s crucial to ensure that children are protected from online harm. ICMEC Australia supports stronger online child safety standards. Let's unite to protect children from online sexual exploitation and abuse.  How can you support this issue? 🔊Voice your opinion to: Statutory Review of the Online Safety Act 2021 https://lnkd.in/gkAtFSeT 🔊Take action this June: share this message to build more support for this important issue. #NotOnOurPlatforms #ChildSafetyOnline #ProtectOurChildren #JoinUsThisJune #YourVoiceMakesADifference