How to stay safe online?

eSafety, often known as electronic safety, refers to the practices and procedures put in place to protect individuals, particularly children and young people, from potential risks and dangers in the digital environment. Understanding and implementing eSafety is critical in today’s increasingly linked society, where the internet is used for communication, education, and entertainment.

eSafety is fundamentally concerned with raising awareness and educating people about the dangers of online activity. These risks include being exposed to unsuitable content, cyberbullying, identity theft, and internet predators. Effective eSafety measures enable people to browse the internet responsibly while protecting their personal information.

eSafety Commissioner

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) employs an independent statutory office known as the eSafety Commissioner. It has the legislative ability to address concerns such as cyberbullying, image-based abuse, and illegal or harmful internet content. Its major goal is to safeguard Australians from online threats and promote safer, more positive digital experiences. eSafety Commissioner also provides a range of online safety initiatives and resources for parents, children, educators, and communities.

Report and complain to eSafety Commissioner

Australia has regulations in place to prevent and address internet harms such as cyberbullying, adult cyber abuse, image-based abuse, and illegal and restricted online content. Complaints may be submitted to either content providers or the eSafety Commissioner. If you are experiencing online abuse or are concerned about unlawful or restricted information, you may make a complaint or report with the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

Concerns about hazardous content you’ve encountered online can be reported to eSafety at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/report

Visit https://www.esafety.gov.au/report/counselling-support if you have experienced online abuse or know someone who has and need help.

Parental Controls

Parental controls are tools that assist families manage and improve their online safety by limiting access to specific websites, apps, and functions, screening out unsuitable and explicit information, establishing time restrictions for device use, and monitoring your child’s online activity. While these safeguards improve safety, they are not perfect, therefore teaching youngsters safe internet practices is critical.

The eSafety Commissioner offers tools and advice on how to use parental controls, including content filters that prevent access to illegal and restricted materials such as explicit material, violence, and drug-related information. Parental controls are available on numerous devices, apps, and third-party software. In Australia, these are classified as illegal and restricted content. For more information: illegal and restricted content on the eSafety Commissioner’s website.

Parental controls are essential for safeguarding children online. To help protect them, consider these key guidelines:

  • Keep track of what children do on the internet;
  • Establish clear rules for social media use;
  • Restrict access to specific websites and inappropriate content;
  • Set screen time limits;
  • Use current filtering tools and software to enhance online safety.

Many devices, such as TVs and tablets, come with built-in parental controls. Additional options are available through third-party software or within specific apps and services like streaming platforms, social media, or search engines. Be careful that some gaming devices may allow unfettered internet browsing, so verify the device’s settings for suitable security precautions.If you’re using paid third-party security software, it’s worth checking the accompanying app to see if it includes parental control features.