In Australia, a staggering six in ten children experience maltreatment during childhood, while half of all young people report being targeted by hurtful online behaviour.
Recognising that the solution lies in a community-wide effort, Australia’s largest education provider and a major childrens charity have launched a new partnership to ensure greater protections for young people both offline and online.
The ‘strategic partnership’ between Campion Education and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation will provide schools with direct support, awareness campaigns, fundraising, and volunteering initiatives, sharing information with staff and parents and helping to extend the reach and impact of the Foundation’s programs.
A central focus of the initiative will be eSmart, the Foundation’s flagship online safety program, which equips teachers and students to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Campion will use its MyConnect2 platform – accessed by more than half a million staff and students annually – to deliver eSmart resources directly into classrooms.
The partnership will also boost the Foundation’s Care programs, which support children facing trauma. This includes supplying books and stationery for Buddy Bags – backpacks packed with essentials like pyjamas, toiletries and a teddy bear – given to children entering emergency care.
“The Alannah & Madeline Foundation’s work in child safety connects directly with our mission to support schools and students – in particular in their eSmart digital safety program,” Tom Bradley, CEO of Campion Education, told The Educator.
“As Australia’s education specialists, Campion provides everything from digital learning solutions to textbooks, pens and pencils – so we understand the pressures educators face daily.”
Bradley said eSmart gives schools, families and students the evidence-based tools they need to build digital and media literacy, strengthening whole-school communities.
“This new partnership with the Foundation allows us to extend their voice further, helping to keep children safe, foster resilience in the digital world, and create impact where it counts most.”
When asked how Principals can ensure the initiative has meaningful cut through in their classrooms, Bradley said school leaders can make a real difference by weaving the principles of child safety into everyday school life.
“That means championing programs such as eSmart across staff meetings, PD sessions and parent communications, so digital safety becomes part of the school culture rather than a one-off lesson,” he said.
“Encourage teachers to use digital resources safely and responsibly, and celebrate examples where students are applying those skills to build confidence in their digital learning.”
Bradley said Principals should set the example and lead from the front when it comes to fostering a safe school environment.
“When leaders model the importance of safe, respectful use of technology, it sets the tone for the whole community and helps initiatives like this create lasting change in classrooms.”
Sarah Davies AM, CEO of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, welcomed the partnership, saying the charity is “thrilled” to have Campion Education on board as an Official Partner.
“Campion’s commitment to child safety and wellbeing aligns perfectly with our values. With their support, we can reach more schools and educators with our eSmart programs and provide comfort to children in crisis through initiatives like Buddy Bags,” she said.
“Through this partnership, Campion Education and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation will help more children feel safe, supported, and free from violence and trauma.”