More seniors are building the skills and confidence to navigate an increasingly digital world, with the Australian Government’s Be Connected program reaching three million learners.
The milestone coincides with International Day of Older Persons on 1 October and comes just over two years after Be Connected reached two million learners in May 2024. A further one million learners have engaged with the program since then.
Be Connected supports Australians aged over 50 to build their digital skills and stay safer online, with free learning covering everything from the basics of getting online to banking and shopping, accessing government services and using social media to stay connected with family and community.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the milestone reflected the continuing importance of helping older Australians build skills and confidence to make the most of the digital world.
“Three million learners is an impressive achievement, but what matters most is what sits behind that number. It represents more Australians building the confidence, independence and the skills to participate fully and safely in our increasingly digital world,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“Technology is changing rapidly, bringing enormous opportunities to connect, learn and access services, as well as new challenges to navigate. As we enter the ‘age of unreality’ - with AI voice cloning, face swapping and sophisticated social engineering taking over the current digital environment - online confidence for seniors also means honing their critical reasoning skills, building their digital resilience and re-teaching the age-old adage of being ‘alert but not alarmed’.
“No matter our age or experience, keeping our digital skills up to date is increasingly part of everyday life. Be Connected helps older Australians learn at their own pace, whether they are taking their first steps online, or building their confidence with new technology.”
Jess Wilson, CEO of Good Things Australia, which delivers the Be Connected program in partnership with eSafety, said a great strength of the program is that it gives older Australians both the confidence and the capacity to feel connected and really make the most of technology.
“Be Connected is not just about helping over 50s use technology, but supporting them to feel more confident, more independent, more socially connected and safer online.
“With the rapid rise of new technology like AI and increasing sophistication of scams, we need to make sure that everyone has essential digital skills, so they don't get left behind. Our national network of 4,000 diverse community network partners is vital to the success of Be Connected because they provide over 50s with a friendly, trusted space to learn,” said Ms Wilson.
Be Connected combines free online learning with face-to-face support through a national network of community organisations.
eSafety develops and manages the Be Connected website, which features more than 380 learning resources including self-paced courses, videos, articles, games, podcasts and webinars, supported by resources available in up to 10 languages.
In 2025-26, more than 360,000 people completed learning resources on the Be Connected website, while 31 webinars were delivered by eSafety to more than 3,000 learners.
Through the network of community organisations, more than 46,000 people also received face-to-face support during the year, and 1,690 Digital Mentors were upskilled to help others develop their digital skills.
Ms Inman Grant said the combination of accessible online resources and trusted community support remained one of the program’s great strengths.
“There is no single way to build digital confidence. Some people want to explore resources independently, while others benefit from sitting down with someone they trust who can guide them through something new.
“That combination of accessible online learning and support in communities across Australia means people can build their skills in the way that works for them.
“Reaching 3 million learners is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the collaboration between eSafety, the Department of Social Services and Good Things Australia helping older Australians stay connected, confident and safer online.”
The Australian Government has invested $42 million to extend Be Connected until June 2028. The Department of Social Services has overall responsibility for the program and funds Good Things Australia to manage the Be Connected Network and provide grants to community organisations delivering digital skills support.
In 2025-26, more than $4 million in small grants was distributed to Be Connected Network Partners to strengthen their capacity to provide digital training and support, including free activities during Get Online Week.
“Supporting the community sector with resources, training and grant funding has been essential to reaching everyday people all over Australia while building capacity in local communities to deliver digital literacy programs. We are thrilled that we can continue this work with eSafety, the Department of Social Services and our network to support even more over 50s to be confident, safe and connected online,” said Ms Wilson.
To build your digital skills, explore free learning resources or find support near you, visit the Be Connected website: Be Connected - Every Australian online.
Background:
Be Connected is an Australian Government initiative delivered in partnership by the Department of Social Services, eSafety and Good Things Australia to improve the digital confidence, skills and online safety of Australians aged over 50.
eSafety develops and manages the Be Connected website and its online learning resources. Good Things Australia manages the national Be Connected Network of 4,000 community organisations providing free support to older Australians.
For more information, please contact:Phone: 0439 519 684 or [email protected] 1 October is the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, an annual observance that recognises older people and draws attention to the opportunities and challenges associated with population ageing.
Contact details:
For more information, please contact:
Phone: 0439 519 684 or [email protected]