Supporting multicultural families in a changing online environment

As Australia’s internet policies continue to evolve, it is important that multicultural families are informed, included and supported.

In the most recent seminar in the Digital Child x ACMI series, organised by the Deakin University node of the Digital Child, speakers from community organisations, media and academia were brought together to discuss how migrant families understand and experience digital regulation, online safety and privacy in their everyday lives.

The conversation highlighted the importance of culturally responsive communication, stronger community engagement and greater inclusion of migrant perspectives in policymaking.

“I think this was a really timely event given that internet policies and regulations in Australia are changing rapidly yet the voices and experiences of multicultural communities are still significantly underrepresented in public and policy discussions,” said Dr Xinyu (Andy) Zhao, Research Fellow in REDI and event convener.

“What stood out to me from the event was how all speakers highlight the urgent need to listen to and consult multicultural families, communities and young people before a policy is drafted, and highlighted the need of a robust system to allow multiple stakeholders to work together. I hope this will lead to more discussions and debates around how we design more inclusive and equitable internet policies to protect and support children and young people in Australia.”