ThinkUKnow partners up with Benalla Pony Club

By Hamish Donaldson

Jul 4, 2023

Not horsing around: The Benalla Pony Club committee and a local police officer Lisa Atkinson after the ThinkUKnow session. Photo by Hamish Donaldson

One of the most terrifying things about cyber threats is that they can affect anyone online, even when you're out riding your pony.

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On Sunday afternoon, the Benalla Pony Club hosted ThinkUKnow, an online safety education program session for riders aged 12 years and older, as well as their parents.

ThinkUKnow is a national program led by the Australian Federal Police, designed to teach school-aged children about online security, prompt conversations between children and their parents on online privacy and provide them with actionable skills to maintain safety online.

Local police officer Lisa Atkinson led the session at the Benalla Pony Club and described the importance of teaching young people how to remain safe while online.

"It's all about recognising those red flags and seeking help," Atkinson said.

"The program is presented from foundation Preps right through to Grade 12. They're about half-hour sessions but they can go up to an hour depending on the size of the audience.

"The ThinkUKnow session delivers online child safety education messages, encourages safe and respectful online behaviour, critical thinking and learnings to prevent harm, identify safe or unsafe situations and know when and how to seek help."

All information about the program, parent resources for keeping your child safe online, and details for schools interested in requesting a session can be accessed on the ThinkUKnow website: https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/