A partnership between law enforcement and IT companies has been given a Play Your Part Award for its measures to protect children online.

The ThinkUKnow program was brought about in collaboration between the Australian Federal Police and Microsoft, with the support of Datacom, ninemsn and the Northern Territory Police Force.

ThinkUKnow seeks to educate parents and carers of children around Australia in ways to stay safe online. It opens the lines of communication between adults and children so that what happens on the Internet is as easy a topic to discuss as dinner, sport, school or cartoons.

Chief Security Advisor of Microsoft Australia James Kavanagh says he is delighted to see recognition of the program’s momentum, saying “almost every night of the week, ThinkUKnow volunteers travel to schools and workplaces across Australia... they help parents understand a range of online issues and how best to ensure their children can learn and interact safely online. The award recognises the enthusiasm of parents and the dedication of over 260 volunteers.”

This week is National Child Protection Week. The Week engages, educates and creates understanding among Australians to highlight the fact that everyone has a role in protecting children and young people from violence, abuse and neglect.

In the last year alone the AFP's Child Protection Operations team arrested or sent summons to 92 child sex offenders for over 204 child sex offence charges.

More information on the award-winning effort is available from ThinkUKnow.