What can I do online?
Keeping yourself safe online is important. Here are some things you should do to keep yourself safe online:
- Avoid unwanted contact; keep your personal details private.
- Don't share your passwords, not even with friends.
- Don't post anything you don't want others to see or know about. Treat your friends how you would want to be treated.
(Source: The Australian Government's Cybersmart website ).
Online bullying (sometimes called cyberbullying) is using technology to deliberately and repeatedly bully someone else. It can happen to anyone, anytime, and can leave you feeling unsafe and alone. Online bullying can be offensive and upsetting and you don't have to put up with it!
Online bullying can include:
- abusive texts and emails
- posting unkind messages or images
- imitating others online
- excluding others online
- inappropriate image tagging.
For more information about online safety issues and what you need to know to protect yourself go to the Cybersafety website .
For more information about different forms of online bullying go to the headspace Cyberbullying initiative (PDF, 2.41MB) .
Tell (click to expand)
Tell an adult about the online bullying, this could be a parent or carer, relative, adult friend or teacher.
Your school may have policies in place to deal with bullying and online bullying.
If you're not comfortable to talk to someone face to face, you can speak to someone online (see Helpful websites) or visit Kids Helpline website or call them on 1800 55 1800. It is a free call.
Report it (click to expand)
- Click the report abuse button on the site or go to the Cybersafety Help Button for advice about reporting and direct links to social network and online gaming websites reporting pages.
- Go to Report Cyberbullying for advice and guidelines on how to report online bullying on most popular social media sites. The list is maintained by the Cyberbullying Research Center in the US.
- If you physically threatened call the police in your state or territory.
Protect yourself (click to expand)
- Download the Cybersafety Help Button on your computer and mobile phone for help or advice about anything that is unsafe or has upset you on the internet.
- Block delete or report anyone who is harassing you online.
- Do not respond when you're angry or upset.
- Give your phone number to friends only.
- Keep your mobile phone away from those who shouldn't have your phone number.
- Use ID blocking on your phone to hide your number when you call others.
- Think before you send a text message or make a call.
- Keep records of calls or messages that are offensive or hurtful
Change your privacy settings
For help use the privacy features on your phone call your mobile company's customer care number:
Optus: 1300 300 937
Telstra: 125 111
Virgin: 1300 555 100
Vodaphone: 1300 650 410
For more tips about avoiding bullying via mobile phones visit the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association website .
Helpful websites (click to expand)
ThinkUKnow Australia - step by step guide to staying safe online, keeping up to date with new apps and programs and what to do when things go wrong online.
Cybersmart - Cybersmart quiz, online help, games and videos.
Tagged - a film (suitable for 14+) about posting a rumour online, online bullying, sexting and filming fights.
ReachOut.com - interviews with people who have been bullied online, forums, blogs , factsheets and stories.
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association - what you need to know to get the bullies off your back.
headspace (PDF, 2.14MB) - what you can do to stop online bullying.
headspace (PDF, 2.41MB) - bullying is it a crime?