According to eSafety Commissioner, community awareness of cyberbullying and how to respond continued to grow last financial year, with reports rising by 37 per cent.

Marking Bullying No Way: National week of action, eSafety launched new resources on 15 August 2024, designed in collaboration with child wellbeing expert and NSW Chief Behaviour Advisor, Professor Donna Cross.

Spotlight on cyberbullying is designed to further boost resilience among families and schools.

“While it’s concerning cyberbullying is on the rise – a pattern we’ve observed since the pandemic – it’s also heartening more people know what to do when it happens, including reporting to us at eSafety.gov.au,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said.

“The Spotlight on Cyberbullying resources we’re launching today are designed to support that growing awareness.”

eSafety received 2,693 actionable cyberbullying complaints in 2023-2024, a 37 per cent increase from the previous year.

“Every one of these complaints represents serious potential trauma to a child in our community but the most important message we can give is that harm can be minimised through better understanding and management of the problem.”

Spotlight on Cyberbullying promotes a whole-school approach, offering tailored resources for principals, educators, parents, and children.

• Educators can access teaching and learning activities and professional development resources to integrate cyberbullying awareness into online safety education programs and curriculum.
• Parents and carers can benefit from practical advice on monitoring and supporting their children’s online activities.
• Children can access interactive content to learn about online safety and how to report incidents.

Minister for Communications the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said there was no place in Australia for harmful online behaviour, including cyberbullying.

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring all Australians – particularly young people – are safe online,” Rowland said.

“While social media is great tool for younger Australians to connect and engage with their peers, we also know that it can be a place where harmful online behaviour, like cyberbullying can spread.”

“It’s important that all Australians have access to practical resources to address online harms, and I encourage children, parents and schools to head to eSafety.gov.au to find out more,” she added.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said her Government was prioritising young people’s online safety, and working to ensure children could stay safe online.

“These new online resources are a helpful tool for families, who may struggle with how to help when their children become victims of cyberbullying or other harmful online behaviours.

“I thank eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant and our NSW Chief Behaviour Advisor Professor Donna Cross for their work in establishing these practical resources.”

NSW Chief Behaviour Advisor Professor Donna Cross said young people were more likely to be cyberbullied outside school hours.

“It is vital that parents and carers have evidence-informed digital skills, knowledge and the tools they need to support their children.”

“These are nation leading resources that ensure quality evidence is used to inform its approach to tackling cyberbullying and other behaviours influenced by social media.”

Inman Grant said: “Education remains a cornerstone of eSafety’s work.”

“Our focus on prevention and early intervention though initiatives like Spotlight on Bullying is central to these efforts.

“Spotlight on Cyberbullying delivers a one-stop online shop aimed at preventing online harms and collaborating closely with education sectors and schools, nationwide.”

This article also appears on Comms Room. For more details, click here.

Justin Lance Marcel Lavadia

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Justin Lavadia is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum with a diverse writing background spanning various niches and formats. With a wealth of experience, he brings clarity and concise communication to digital content. His expertise lies in crafting engaging content and delivering impactful narratives that resonate with readers.

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