Safer Internet Day is a global day of action that brings together communities, families, schools and organisations from more than 180 countries to raise awareness about online safety and work toward a safer internet.
This year, eSafety is encouraging everyone to take simple but impactful actions to make the internet a safer, more positive place.
Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to online safety:
Do:
Do be an upstander not a bystander
Do you know someone being bullied online? There are heaps of ways you can act. Start by asking if your friend is OK.
Do report online trolling
- Resist the urge to respond
- Screenshot evidence
- Report and block the person on the social media site, game or app
- If it gets serious and the site, game or app does not help, you can report it to eSafety
- Talk to someone you trust
- Read the eSafety Guide to find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content
Do be mindful of your digital footprint
Remember, our online profiles have become a digital resume and anyone can search your name or find info from your social media accounts, including potential employers, universities and others.
Do balance your time online
It can be easy to spend a lot of time online, but being aware of how often and why you go online can help you work out a healthier and happier balance with time offline.
Don’t:
Don’t ignore La Trobe’s online safety resources
Familiarise yourself with La Trobe’s guidelines and support services related to online safety:
- La Trobe’s Safer Community Service is a free and confidential support service for all La Trobe students and staff. If you witness or experience inappropriate, threatening or concerning behaviour, please visit the Safer Community website to contact the service. You can fill out the Report a concern form to contact Safer Community anonymously.
- Safe and Respected at La Trobe is a campaign for students and staff and raises awareness about sexual harm and the support we provide. It also helps prevent further harm from occurring. La Trobe does not tolerate sexual harm in any form and we want to protect our students and staff, fostering a safer environment for everyone in our community.
Don’t neglect privacy settings on AI and collaboration tools
When using online platforms for group work or classes, check your privacy settings to prevent unauthorised access. Be mindful of what personal information you share. Here are some tips for using AI.
Don’t underestimate the risks of cyber abuse
Cyber abuse can include menacing, harassing or offensive communications intended to cause harm. Recognise the signs and know how to seek help if needed.
Don’t assume all online interactions are safe
Be cautious when engaging with people online, especially if you haven’t met them in person. Avoid oversharing personal details and be mindful of potential risks.
With so much of our time spent online, it has never been more important to promote the safe use of technology, build digital skills and support ourselves and our peers to have safer, more positive online experiences.
Visit eSafety.gov.au for further advice and information.
In an emergency call Triple Zero: 000 (0 000 on University phones) and if on campus also call Campus Security on 03 9479 2222 (x2222 from University phones)
Other helpful resources
Online abuse in any form can be stressful for the individual and their family or community. Please consider accessing the following supports.
- 1800 RESPECT: National sexual assault, domestic, family violence counselling service. Tel: 1800 737 732
- ESafety Commissioner: helps you report and deal with online abuse or illegal and restricted content.
- CASACV: For Bendigo students, trauma-informed counselling, advocacy and support for students who have experienced sexual assault, either recently or in the past.
- NCASA: 03 9496 2369, a sexual assault service located in Heidelberg. An NCASA counsellor also visits the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus weekly and can be accessed through Health Wellbeing and Inclusion.
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line: Provide crisis response, support and advocacy for people who have experienced Sexual violence. After Hours Tel: 1800 806 292.
- Djirra: Djirra is a place where culture is shared and celebrated, and where practical support is available to all Aboriginal women and particularly to Aboriginal people who are currently experiencing family violence or have in the past. Tel: 1800 105 3030
- Daisy app: Connecting women who are experiencing or have experienced sexual assault, and domestic and family violence to services in their state and the local area.
- QLife: Counselling for LGBTIQ people, by LGBTIQ people. Tel: 1800 184 527
- Men’s Line: Free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationships, stress, and wellbeing. Tel: 1300 78 99 78