PM plan to keep kids safe online

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison will today declare online safety for kids one of his top priorities heading into the federal election as he reveals his plan for keeping children safe from digital predators and online bullying.

News Corp Australia can reveal the Prime Minister will announce a $10 million grants scheme to fund a range of programs designed to enhance online safety for our kids.

The money could go to schemes such as a “Mathleticsstyle” training program for primary school kids, specific social media training for teens and pre-teens to warn them of “catfishing” and the dangers of sending nude pictures online.

Face-to-face training with parents and children in local communities is also a potential contender for the grants.

Mr Morrison will also commission an urgent review into “digital licences” for children, possibly as young as four, to undertake prior to being able to use an internet-connected device in the classroom.

In addition, the efficacy of current digital safety programs will be examined as part of the independent review.

The new Online Safety Grants Program will be administered by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. Grants will be available each year from 2019-20 to 2022-23.