Help your child navigate cyberbullying

If you’re concerned your child may be experiencing bullying online, here are 7 ways to support them:

1. Reassure them that you're here for them and that you won't take away their devices.
2. Listen without judgement when they open up.
3. Collect evidence of the bullying, like screenshots and URLs.
4. Help them report it to the platform or social media site. Read The eSafety Guide for advice on how to do this on specific platforms.
5. No response? Report it to eSafety.gov.au/report.
6. Update their privacy settings across devices and accounts.
7. Encourage and help them to reach out for support.

Cyberbullying guide for parents and carers

Navigating AI companions and deepfakes 

AI is changing the way young people connect - and not always for the better. From deepfake technology like photos, videos or sound files that can damage reputations to AI chatbots that are powered by artificial intelligence and mimic real relationships, it’s more important than ever for parents and carers to stay informed and empowered.

Here’s how you can help your child stay safe and resilient:

1. Talk early, talk often – Keep conversations open, calm and judgment-free so your child feels safe coming you.
2. Explain the risks – Help your child understand the risks (whether emotional, legal or psychological). Chat about the difference between real and artificial relationships. 
3. Set boundaries – Use parental controls, app usage limits and guide your child with healthy online habits.
4. Encourage real-life connections – Hobbies, exercise, friendships, and mindfulness matter. 
5. Know where to get help – If something goes wrong, stay calm, help collect evidence (without saving explicit content) and reach out for support. See The eSafety Guide for more information. Reach out to services like Kids Helpline, Headspace, or Lifeline for extra support if needed.
6. Register for an eSafety webinar - for more practical tools to support your child's relationships in the digital world

AI and deepfakes online safety advisory

Free webinar - AI assisted image-based abuse: Navigating the deepfake threat

AI, emojis, and hidden tactics - cyberbullying is changing, and often in ways that is hidden to parents.  

Join eSafety’s expert-led webinar to understand how AI technologies are being used and misused and why understanding their use matters. This session is ideal for parents and carers of children in both primary and secondary school and includes practical steps you can take to increase awareness and support your child. 

Tuesday 21 October, 12:00pm to 1:15pm (AEDT)

Register now

Free webinar - Understanding AI Companions: What parents and carers need to know

AI chatbots and companions, designed to simulate personal relationships, are growing in popularity, but they pose some very serious risks – especially to children and young people.

Find out more

New eSafety resources for First Nations families

First Nations children and young people are using the internet in powerful, positive and creative ways.

However, our research shows they’re also more likely to encounter online harms, like hate speech and cyberbullying. These negative online experiences can have deep impacts that lead to impaired mental health, perceived reputational damage and lower grades at school.

New resources from eSafety are designed to support parents and carers yarn with their kids and young people about online safety, tackling things like:

• cyberbullying
• protecting personal information
• safe gaming
• digital wellbeing.

Check out the guides and fact sheets, yarning cards and videos, and help spread the word among your community by downloading our social media tiles, posters and postcards.

Explore our new resources

Why are under-16s being ‘banned’ from social media? 

From mid-December, Australian children under 16 will not be allowed to hold accounts on certain social media platforms. The age restrictions are likely to apply to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube, among other platforms. Online gaming and standalone messaging apps are among a number of types of services that have been excluded. 

It’s not a ban. It’s a delay to having accounts.   

Being logged into an account increases the likelihood that under-16s will be exposed to pressures and risks that can be hard to deal with. For example, the pressure to respond to a stream of notifications and alerts, and the risk of exposure to content that can harm their health and wellbeing. Delaying account access until 16 will give young people more time to build digital literacy, critical reasoning, impulse control and greater resilience.

It’s important that parents and carers help under-16s by talking openly about the age restrictions, finding out how they currently use social media and how they may be impacted by the law.

eSafety will provide more information and guidance over the coming months. Check out our tips below on what you can do now to help your family prepare.

What can I do to help my family prepare?