Supporting Your Child’s Online Safety
The internet continues to play a significant role in the social and emotional development of young people. Social media platforms, messaging apps, gaming networks and smart devices offer students incredible opportunities to learn, connect and create. However, just like in face-to-face interactions, online behaviour can sometimes be inappropriate or harmful.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, content can be shared instantly and widely. This means that once a comment, photo or video is posted online, it may be difficult - or even impossible - to completely remove. Children and teens may not always consider the long-term consequences of what they share, making it especially important to have open conversations at home about respectful online behaviour.
It’s also important to remind children that not everyone they meet online is who they say they are. While many people use the internet to share positive messages and connect with others, some may misuse technology to cause harm through cyberbullying, impersonation or inappropriate communication.
As a parent or carer, you are an essential partner in helping your child navigate the online world safely. You can help by:
To support you in this role, this
parent guide External link from the eSafety Commissioner provides practical advice and up-to-date resources to help your child build safe and positive online habits.
Together, we can empower students to be respectful, responsible and resilient digital citizens.
Cyberbullying Tips for Parents and Carers - What to do if it's your Child
- Take the time to talk to them. Be open to listening and understanding their experience of cyberbullying.
- Teach them that cyberbullying is never OK
- Reassure them that they're loved
- Report the activity to the relevant social media platform. If this does not help, you can lodge a complaint via the safety website eSafety
- Support them to speak to another trusted adult or counsellor if they want to
- Advise them to avoid opening emails or responding to cyberbullies
- Respect that they may not want to limit online access as this can seem like a punishment and lead to greater social isolation
- Most importantly, reassure them they are not alone and that help is always available.