The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recognises children's interests. Australia is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the department is committed to upholding the rights and obligations of the CRC.

Below are a number of useful links on children's rights and how to be safe when using social media. If you have any questions regarding the Child Protection Policy please contact childprotection@dfat.gov.au.

UNICEF

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an international human rights treaty that sets out the basic rights of children and the obligations of governments to fulfil those rights. Australia is a signatory to the CRC.

The CRC is the foundation of UNICEF's work.

Visit the UNICEF website to find out more about child rights.

AFP Think You Know

ThinkUKnow Australia focuses on raising awareness amongst parents, carers and teachers on how kids have fun online, how they can stay in control and how to report when things go wrong.

An important part of staying in control is being informed; ThinkUKnow aims to bridge the gulf in knowledge between adults and young people on technology-related issues.

Visit the ThinkUKnow website for more information.

The Line

What exactly is the line?

And what happens when you cross it?

This website is all about 'the line' and the kind of behaviour that crosses it.

The line is an Australian Government youth campaign promoting respectful relationships.

It's aimed at helping teenagers and young adults through a difficult time in their lives. This campaign provides a website and Facebook site for young people to have dialogue about healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviours and guidance on how to have and maintain respectful relationships.

Visit the line website for further details.

Cyber Smart

Cybersmart is a national cybersafety and cybersecurity education program managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Cybersmart aims to:

• inform children, young people, parents, teachers and library staff about cybersafety issues
• educate audiences through information, resources and practical advice
• empower children and young people to be safe online.

Visit the Cybersmart website for more information.

AYAC

The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) is Australia's non-government youth affairs peak body.

AYAC undertakes a range of activities including advocacy, research and policy development, youth sector development and youth engagement.

AYAC works to represent the rights and interests of young people whilst also supporting best practice in youth participation.

Visit the AYAC website for further details.

Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline is a free 24 hour counselling service for Australian kids and young people aged 5-25 years. You can get help over the phone, email or web.

The Kids Helpline website lists a range of useful information targeted to children and youth about hot topics that matter to them; from how to party safely to information about bullying and internet safety. The website also provides stories from young people who have contacted Kids Helpline.

Visit the Kids Helpline website for more information.