Social media key to student safety

A new social media initiative designed by NSW Police to improve the safety of international students has been launched at UNSW.

The NSW Police Force International Students Facebook and Weibo pages will provide an invaluable tool for police to communicate proactive crime prevention messages to the 192,000 international students living in NSW.

Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter and Facebook, has more than 500,000 users in Australia and some 300 million users in China.

Acting Police Commissioner Nick Kaldas, who launched the initiative, said the sites will be a great asset to NSW Police.

“We will be able to intervene to prevent crime or nip it in the bud if does occur,” he said.

NSW Police are working with tertiary education providers to engage with students regularly, whether at education facilities, on the street, on transport or in their homes.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer said the initiative complements UNSW's range of safety programs and activities, including an annual Safety Week, online student safety and well-being tutorials and a commitment to increasing on-campus accommodation.

“We care about safety and would like all of our students to not only be safe, but to feel safe,” said Professor Hilmer. “The NSW Police and the O'Farrell government are valuable partners in international education and we appreciate the support they provide to international students.”

Media contact: Fran Strachan | 9385 8732 | 0429 416 070