Children starting out in secondary school account for more than a third of all cyberbullying reports to eSafety, which have surged by more than 450 per cent in the past five years, new data reveals.
The figures have been released as the world marks Safer Internet Day (February 11, 2025) – a global day of action dedicated to raising awareness of online safety issues, such as cyberbullying.
“This Safer Internet Day – we are calling on all Australians to help make the online world a safer, more positive place,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said.
“We know 45 per cent of children aged between 8 and 17 years-old have been treated in a hurtful or nasty way online,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“This Safer Internet Day you can be a part of the solution, by taking simple steps such as being kind and respectful to others – as adults, we should continue to model that positive, pro-social behaviour.”
Five steps you can take to help make the internet a safer and more positive place:
• Be kind: Practice respect, empathy and kindness online.
• Be mindful: Balance your time online and consume and share factual and respectful content.
• Speak up: Collect evidence and report online abuse and harmful content.
• Start the conversation: Talk about online safety with your networks and communities, family, friends and colleagues.
• Share resources: Promote online safety tools and tips with your networks and communities, family, friends and colleagues.
For more information on Safer Internet Day visit esafety.gov.au/newsroom/whats-on/safer-internet-day