SWM5112 Research Proposal: Cyber Safety for Australian Caregivers

This document is a research proposal for a social work project, focusing on Australian caregivers' understanding of cyber safety for children. The proposal outlines the project's details, including the title, research team (student and supervisor), background, and aims. The background section defines key terms like cyber security, cyberbullying, and caregiver, highlighting the prevalence of cyberbullying and online risks faced by children in Australia. The study aims to investigate caregivers' perceptions and understanding of these issues, posing a research question to explore the knowledge gap. The chosen research design is a qualitative exploratory approach, justified by its suitability for evaluating perceptions. The proposal details the study population, sampling strategy (non-probability), and recruitment methods, including email, personal contacts, and word of mouth. The recruitment process is described, emphasizing the importance of selecting participants with relevant experience and willingness to share their views. The project aims to identify gaps in education and awareness to promote children's cyber safety, improve mental health outcomes, and reduce suicide rates. The proposal is adapted from work by Dr. Samone McCurdy and MUHREC and aligns with the SWM5112 module, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the challenges of cyber safety for children within the Australian context.