Encouraging the positive use of technology through community engagement

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a seven stage community engagement process to develop and disseminate community uptake strategies which encouraged cybersafety as part of a positive transition from primary to secondary school among Australian young people.

Design/methodology/approach

The combined principles from socio-ecological models, community development models and student participation models formed the foundation for the strategies. Resources were developed for all members of the community – students, parents, teachers and the broader community. The methods included: the formation of a steering committee and a Youth Advisory Board; review of the current literature; development of online resources; a youth resource development activity; development of youth resources; translation of resources into health promotion initiatives; and the dissemination of resources at community events and facilities such as schools, libraries and recreation centres and through print and social media.

Findings

Community engagement strategies – in particular a partnership between a Western Australian university and local government body, the steering committee consisting of local organisations, and the student advisory board – were used to successfully design and promote resources developed by young people for young people.

Originality/value

This study utilises a community-level approach to develop resources to encourage cybersafety and a positive transition from primary to secondary school.

Citation

Lester, L., Cross, D., Terrelinck, D., Falconer, S. and Thomas, L. (2016), "Encouraging the positive use of technology through community engagement", Safer Communities, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 134-141. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-11-2015-0035