Community awareness of cyberbullying and how to respond continued to grow last financial year, with reports to eSafety rising by 37 per cent.
Marking Bullying No Way: National week of action (August 12-16), eSafety today launched new resources 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," Ms 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.
