Australian IT: TELCO giant Telstra hopes to stamp out bullying of children via the internet and mobile phones by establishing a $2 million program.

Annual grants from $75,000 over three years will be provided to organisations to combat online and mobile harassment, as well as internet addiction and identity theft, the company said.

Cyber bullying has reached a dangerous level in Australia and if left unchecked could lead to widespread damage.

A nationwide study of 7500 students from 100 public and private schools revealed that character assassination using social-networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace was rife.

The research, commissioned by the Federal Government, found in the most extreme cases of "covert
bullying", families were forced to move homes.

Telstra wants to work with people in community organisations with new ideas and solutions to help keep children safe online, Herb Elliott, Telstra Foundation chairman, said.

"We want to reverse this growing trend, and support programs and research that help keep kids safe while they make the most of the exciting opportunities the internet and mobile phones offer.

"In particular, the cyber safety grants will focus on funding programs to help educate parents about online technology, and simple steps they can take to create a safe online learning and social environment for their child," Mr Elliott said in a statement.
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