FOSI and Telstra Host Forum to Promote Responsible Online Behavior

Today the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) has partnered with some of the world's foremost experts on digital citizenship to discuss the latest thinking on creating positive online behaviors at a global forum in Melbourne. The Global Digital Citizenship: Encouraging Safe and Responsible Online Use Forum - hosted by FOSI and Telstra, partnering with Google, Microsoft, and the Australian Communications and Media Authority's Cybersmart Program- will explore issues including the state of online safety around the globe, how to promote the idea of online citizenship and Australia's response to cyber safety in a global perspective. It is the first time that FOSI has hosted a Forum in Australia.

At the event, FOSI will also introduce the Australian audience to its latest initiative, A Platform for Good (PfG). PfG brings parents, teachers and teens together to use the power of the Internet and social media for good. PfG has tools for parents and teens to help them navigate the web and encourage conversations to support responsible online behavior. The site also offers practical tips to help teens manage their digital reputation and enable privacy settings, as well as a series of videos to Teach Parents Tech, including one on Digital Reputations and another on Privacy Settings.

"FOSI is pleased to partner with Telstra to shine a spotlight on digital citizenship in Australia and around the world," said Stephen Balkam, the CEO of FOSI. "Technology has enormous positive potential for society, yet we face an ongoing challenge to minimize the risks of online engagement while maximizing the positive benefits of technology. We believe that a combination of tools, rules and schools offers a holistic approach to Internet safety that ensures a positive, enriching online environment for all."

About FOSI

The Family Online Safety Institute is an international, non-profit organization that works to make the online world safer for kids and their families. FOSI convenes leaders in industry, government and the non-profit sectors to collaborate and innovate new solutions and policies in the field of online safety. Through research, resources, events and special projects, FOSI promotes a culture of responsibility online and encourages a sense of digital citizenship for all. FOSI's membership includes 30 of the leading Internet and telecommunications companies around the world.