Safer Internet Day – Keep Everyone Safe Online

The Safer Internet Day campaign raises awareness about online abuse. We can all play it fair online through simple actions like being safe, respectful, and kind.

If you are experiencing cyberbullying, then you are not alone. It is an upsetting experience and challenging to escape. Find out what cyber bullying is and what you can do to protect yourself.

Cyberbullying is using technology to bully or hurt someone else online. Some examples of cyber bullying can include sending or sharing nasty, hurtful, or abusive messages or emails, humiliating others by posting or sharing embarrassing videos images, spreading rumours and misinformation online.

• 70%     of Australian adults have had at least one negative experience online.
• 29%     of First Nations children have experienced online hate speech.
• 45%     of kids aged 8-17 have been treated in a hurtful or nasty way online.
• 32%     of gamers aged 8-17 have been bullied while playing games online.
• 31%     of LGBTQIA+ teens have experienced hate speech online.

(source: https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/whats-on/safer-internet-day)

You can help others when they experience abuse online by supporting and speaking up – if it is safe to do so.

Understanding what to do about it can help stop the harm it causes:

1.      Social media safety

Manage the voices you engage with so you control what you see and hear online. Conversation controls help you manage your social media feeds and make sure these platforms are a more positive place to spend time with your community online.

2.      Protect your identity online

Your digital identity helps prove who you are online. Safeguard your organisation, yourself, and your family by using safe cyber practices when accessing the internet.

3.      Make it a habit to collect evidence of online abuse

Take a screenshot and save a URL – which you can use if you choose to report online abuse.

To foster a positive experience for yourself, friends, and family, remember to:

 Be respectful – Consider others when you are online

 Be kind – Be a positive role model

 Be resilient – do not let an unpleasant experience get you down

 Be prepared to ask for help–everyone needs support

We are proud to support Safer Internet Day on 11th Feb 2025 to tackle online abuse. Through simple actions like being safe, respectful, and kind, we can all make the internet a safer place to be.

Phriendly Phishing offers a range of courses to help parentsand organisations manage the exposure to cyberbullies. Our award-winningcatalogue can close the knowledge gap on being safe online.

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