Be Connected hits 2 million learners: Seniors thrive online
Older Australians are expanding their digital skills as the Australian Government’s Be Connected program marks its two millionth learner.
The program teaches cyber safety and technical skills for online banking, shopping, and social connections, offering extensive computer courses for seniors.
It also helps seniors navigate the digital world and access online services. With a combination of online resources and in-person support, seniors receive the assistance they need, regardless of their skill level.
Experts at the eSafety Commissioner develop engaging content, while Good Things Foundation Australia builds a community-based network.
The Be Connected website, managed by eSafety, offers over 630 free resources. These include information, self-paced courses, webinars, translated materials, practice areas, articles, and a podcast.
These resources cater to both beginners with limited digital literacy and those looking to expand their skills.
Community support
Good Things Foundation Australia provides grants to community organisations for free one-on-one and group sessions and loans digital devices to older Australians.
There are over 3,800 Be Connected Community Network Partners, including community organisations, aged care providers, libraries, cultural diversity groups, disability support organisations, and men’s sheds.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said Be Connected continues to play an important role in improving the digital literacy of all Australians, making the online world safer and more positive.
"Technology has a wonderful ability to connect, enable and empower individuals, and we must ensure older Australians are not only included in our increasingly online world but that they feel confident benefiting from it," she said.
"It’s difficult for anyone to stay on top of the continually evolving digital landscape as new technologies emerge. For older Australians, who may not feel as comfortable as people who have been online their whole lives, Be Connected vast resources help develop confidence and skills to explore and embrace online life safely."
"Reaching 2 million learners since the program’s launch in 2017 shows that people are interested in learning more and getting involved with technology."
"Be Connected has developed to become a great resource we can share with our loved ones no matter their age or digital skill level."
"By providing tailored information and advice to build digital literacy skills, we can help everyone connect with their friends and family, access online entertainment and use the important and essential services that matter to them."
How to sign up for the Be Connected program
Joining the Be Connected program is simple.
Whether you're looking for computer courses for seniors or need computer help for seniors, the Be Connected program offers support.
Here’s how you can get started:
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Visit the Be Connected website: Go to the Be Connected website managed by eSafety. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information about the program, its resources, and how it can help you.
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Create an account: To access the full range of resources, you’ll need to create a free account. This will give you access to over 630 free resources, including self-paced courses and webinars.
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Find a local network partner: Use the website to locate a Be Connected Community Network Partner near you. These partners provide in-person support and can guide you through the digital learning process. They offer both one-on-one and group sessions, ensuring you get the personalised help you need.
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Enrol in courses: Once you’ve signed up, explore the variety of computer courses for seniors available. These courses cover topics from basic computer skills to more advanced subjects like cyber safety and online banking.
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Access online resources: Apart from in-person support, you can also utilise a variety of online resources. These include articles and tips, podcasts, practice areas, and games centres designed to offer computer help for seniors at any skill level.
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Stay engaged with community events: Many network partners host events and group learning sessions. Participating in these can enhance your learning experience and connect you with others who are also improving their digital skills.
Benefits for over 50s
Jess Wilson, CEO of Good Things Foundation Australia, said the program gives older Australians both the confidence and the capacity to use technology effectively.
"This program is not just about technology, but helping people over 50s to participate in society today," she said.
"With the emergence of new technologies like AI and the continued digitalisation of so many aspects of life, we need to make sure that everyone has essential digital skills so they don't get left behind."
"Our national network of 3,800 diverse community network partners is vital to the success of Be Connected because they provide over-50s with a friendly, trusted space to learn."
"Supporting the community sector with resources, training and grant funding has been essential and over the last seven years, we have distributed $30m in small grant funding to community organisations all over Australia to build their capacity to deliver digital literacy programs. "
"We are thrilled that we can continue this work over the next four years, to support people in the community to be confident, safe and connected online."
Intergenerational initiative
Be Connected also includes an intergenerational initiative, Young Mentors, where secondary school students mentor seniors in digital skills.
This helps students develop teaching and communication skills while contributing to the digital inclusion of older people.
While reaching two million people is cause for celebration, many more older Australians still need support to be connected confidently and safely.
The Australian Government recently extended the Be Connected program through to 2028 to continue this work in narrowing the digital divide.
For more information on boosting your digital literacy skills and finding a Be Connected Community Network Partner near you, visit the Be Connected website.
Key takeaways
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2 Million Learners Milestone: The Be Connected program has reached two million older Australians, helping them build essential digital skills.
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Comprehensive Learning Resources: The program offers over 630 free resources, including courses on cyber safety, online banking, shopping, and connecting with others.
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Community-Based Support: With over 3,800 Be Community Network Partners, seniors receive both online and in-person support tailored to their needs.
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Funding and Support: The Good Things Foundation Australia has distributed $30 million in grants to community organisations, fostering local digital literacy programs.
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Extended Program: The Australian Government has extended the Be Connected program through to 2028, continuing to support digital inclusion for older Australians.
About eSafety
The eSafety Commissioner is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety.
Their purpose is to help safeguard Australians from online harms and promote safer, more positive online experiences.
eSafety acts as a safety net for Australians experiencing serious cyberbullying, adult cyber abuse, or image-based abuse.
They also investigate and remove harmful illegal and restricted content, including online child sexual exploitation material.
About Good Things Foundation Australia
Good Things Foundation Australia is a social change charity helping people to improve their lives through digital inclusion.
As the national Be Connected Network and grants program manager, they build capacity through community partners to deliver the Be Connected program to older Australians.
