Help for parents to combat online bullying
Extra resources rolled out to help parents protect kids online
With the need to access technology growing daily so do the avenues to bully younger generations online.
Recent figures from the eSafety Commissioner, Australia’s online safety regulator, show an 80 per cent increase in cyberbullying complaints between January and June compared to the same period last year.
This report from the eSafety Commissioner states that 44% of Australian young people have had a negative online experience in the last six month, this includes 15% who received threats or abuse online.
Three weeks into term three and students returning to schools, parents and carers are being to watch out for an increase in cyberbullying incidents, and to be aware of how to prevent and report cyberbullying.
Senator Nita Green spoke to Newsport on her thoughts on the findings as well as the importance of parents taking a large role in their children’s safety online.
“Children should be safe online and everywhere,” Senator Green said.
“Unfortunately, according to these recent figures from the eSafety Commissioner, there has been an increase in cyberbullying complaints between January and June compared to the same period last year. This is not okay.”
The message is for parents and carers to be alert for the signs that children might be experiencing online bullying and be aware of this increased risk of cyber bullying.
“No parent wants to hear that their child has been bullied online,” Senator Green added.
“Parents and carers should be alert for the signs that children may be experiencing online bullying. They can visit the eSafety website for a wide range of resources, information and even to make a report.”
The eSafety website offers practical advice on what to look out for and what to do to best support children experiencing cyberbullying. The website also has a wide range of tailored resources for children and young people, parents, carers and educators to detect, prevent and respond to cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying can take many forms including sending abusive messages, hurtful images or videos, nasty online gossip, excluding or humiliating others, or creating fake accounts in someone’s name to trick or humiliate them.
For more information and resources, or to make a report, visit www.esafety.gov.au.