The state government will fund a full-time cyberbullying consultant to help Parentline provide support to parents and carers who want to protect young people from online bullying.
Minister for child safety Di Farmer said yourtown, who offer support services for children and teenagers, would receive $440,000 to employ a full-time consultant.
Ms Farmer said parents could often pick up if something was wrong with their child but in many cases did not know what to do if they were experiencing cyberbullying.
"Parentline is the only service in Queensland that provides free professional and confidential counselling, education and support to parents and carers, no matter where they live, and having a full-time cyberbullying consultant will help strengthen the support they provide," she said.
"Parents and carers will be able to call or email Parentline and get advice and information on how to deal with cyberbullying, as well as social media safety, addiction to technology and other technology-based issues to help keep children safe in our digital world."
yourtown will train new and existing Parentline and Kids Helpline counsellors about the impact of cyberbullying and develop new resources for Queensland parents, schools and community organisations.
"yourtown will also deliver state-wide online information sessions, such as Facebook live stream, and tailored workshops in communities who want support in relation to specific incidents," Ms Farmer said.
yourtown chief executive Tracy Adams said the funding was a way to further assist parents who might be struggling to support their children in today's complex environment.
"Frequently parents share with us that they fear their children know more than they do about the online environment, and feel lacking when it comes to keeping pace with change or protecting their children from harm or from causing distress to others," she said.
"We also know from parents that it can be challenging to find information and resources to support them in that space.
"We will certainly be aiming to develop resources for parents and carers which really support them, whether they are delivered through our website, social platforms or face-to-face events."
Read more local news here.
