In a world where TikTok dances and Minecraft adventures take centre stage, kids are spending more time online than ever before.
While they’re busy unleashing their creativity, making new friends, and exploring digital environments, parents are left wondering: how do we keep them safe in this ever-changing landscape?
It’s a question that inspired a partnership between The Kids Research Institute Australia and anti-bullying organisation Dolly’s Dream – to get Beacon, the free cyber safety app, into the hands of parents and carers across the nation.
Co-designed with input from parents, carers, and cyber safety experts including the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, Beacon provides families with trustworthy, practical resources to help them confidently navigate their children’s technology use and reduce associated harms.
Families receive content tailored to their needs – including articles, videos, and alerts – from a comprehensive library of strategies and tips to help address challenging issues such as screen time, gaming, and cyberbullying. The content is regularly updated in response to changing Australian societal and online trends.
Program Head of Population Health at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Professor Francis Mitrou, said the collective expertise of both Dolly’s Dream and The Kids had enabled Beacon to continue to support all families with cyber safety advice to help keep kids and families safe.
“With a shared commitment, we’ve empowered families from all walks of life to tackle online risks with greater confidence and resilience. This joint effort has enabled Beacon to evolve into a more comprehensive and reliable resource, equipped to address the diverse challenges faced by families in today’s digital age,” Professor Mitrou said.
“Partnering with Dolly’s Dream, we will increase our reach into rural and regional communities across Australia, ensuring wider access to essential cyber safety resources.”
Founders of Dolly’s Dream Kate and Tick Everett said they wanted an app to further support parents and carers in navigating their way around the online world to help their children.
“Through our partnership, we hope Beacon will provide the support and information to families and communities that we wish we had,” they said.
The Beacon app is free and available now for download for iOS and Android.
About Dolly’s Dream
Dolly’s Dream was created by Kate and Tick Everett following the shattering loss of their 14-year-old daughter, Dolly, to suicide, after ongoing bullying. Kate and Tick’s goal is to prevent other families walking this road.
They want to change the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression, and youth suicide, through education and direct support to young people and families. Dolly’s Dream is proudly brought to you by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.