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For image-based abuse, stop all contact with the other person. You can use in-app functions to ignore, hide or mute their posts or comments. You can also block your intimate image or video from being uploaded to some social media and other platforms. You need to have a copy of the image or video, but you don’t need to send it to the platform – they will create a digital ‘fingerprint’ (or ‘hash’) instead.

If you’re under 18, you can use takeitdown.ncmec.orgExternal link – a free online tool that prevents your image or video being shared on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Yubo, OnlyFans and Pornhub.

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Report online harm | eSafety Commissioner

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Make a report about cyberbullying, image-based abuse or illegal and harmful content.

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Poster of information of where to get help and support

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Poster of information of where to get help and support

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Sextortion - 20sec video of what it is and where to report

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Sextortion - 20sec video of what it is and where to report

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A form of online blackmail where someone tricks or coerces you into sending your sexual images then threatens to share them unless their demands are met.

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Blackmail and Sexual Extortion Response Kit

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Blackmail and Sexual Extortion Response Kit

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Staying Safe with Sexting, Texting and Social Media

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Staying Safe with Sexting, Texting and Social Media

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Staying safe with sexting, texting and social media — It’s Time To Talk

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Drugs, alcohol and abuse

Many young people experiment with drugs and alcohol. This may be because their friends and peers are doing it, or because they see family members doing it. Often it's a way to escape or relax. Sometimes it's a way to feel more socially confident and easier to fit in.

Regardless of the reason, alcohol and drugs alter the way our minds and bodies work. This plays a strong role when it comes to relationships and violence. Drugs and alcohol lower our inhibitions and increase the likelihood of taking risks and making bad choices. This might include hooking up with someone you wouldn't normally choose or engaging in unprotected sex. The younger you are, the lower tolerance you have for alcohol and drugs, and the greater the impact. There is no safe level of alcohol for people under the age of 18.

It is your choice whether to drink or take drugs. But be aware that for partners who are abusive or violent, alcohol and drugs can increase the severity and frequency of their violence.
People negatively affected by alcohol and drugs are more likely to become:

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Drugs, alcohol and abuse - It's Time To Talk

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Many young people experiment with drugs and alcohol. This may be because their friends and peers are doing it, or because they see family members doing it. Often it's a way to escape or relax. Sometimes it's a way to feel more socially confident and easier to fit in.

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Coercive Control - know the signs of abuse

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Coercive Control - know the signs of abuse

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What is coercive control?

Coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them.

It's domestic abuse and it can cause serious harm, so it's important to know the signs.

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Coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them. It's domestic abuse and it can cause serious harm, so it's important to know the signs.

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These eight articles feature practical tips to help you lend support to a mate  or young person in your life who is going through a tough time. The eight articles focus on:

Exam stress and academic pressure

Uncertainty about the future

Financial stress and cost of living

Self esteem

Motivation and procrastination

Navigating relationships

Mental health

Loneliness

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Like good friends, some things are just better together. The support of a good mate can help someone feel connected and supported as they navigate life's ups and downs.

This can include exam and study pressure, financial stress, mental ill-health and navigating relationships. We all want to be there for our friends when they're struggling, but sometimes it can be tricky to know what to say and do.

That's why we've put together these resources, to help you #FriendBetter and know how to have those important conversations.

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Like good friends, some things are just better together. The support of a good mate can help someone feel connected and supported as they navigate life's ups and downs. R U OK? has developed resources to help you #FriendBetter and know how to connect.

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Consent explained, what legislation states and what supports can we provide.
"Check consent, every time." How to empower children and young persons through education and knowledge

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Sexual consent is free and voluntary

Sexual consent is when people freely and voluntarily agree to engage in sexual activity, including kissing, touching and oral sex.

It's about making sure everyone is comfortable with what's happening and freely choosing to say yes.

This means there are situations where people can't consent (even if they say yes), because they can't freely choose.

This includes if they're:

heavily affected by drugs or alcohol

unconscious or asleep

manipulated or threatened into consenting.

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Sexual consent is when people freely and voluntarily agree to engage in sexual activity, including kissing, touching and oral sex. It's about making sure everyone is comfortable with what's happening and freely choosing to say yes. This means there are situations where people can't consent (even if they say yes), because they can't freely choose.

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Many vapes contain nicotine making them addictive.

Vapes can contain many harmful chemicals - they just don't put it on the pack.

Vape aerosol is not water vapour.

Do you know what you're vaping?

Vapes are not water. The main ingredient in vapes is propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine or glyercol. Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray. They just don't put it on the pack.

Vapes come in a number of flavours such as blueberry or bubble-gum that make them appealing. Many vapes also contain nicotine, the same highly addictive substance found in tobacco cigarettes.

Testing has shown that vapes labelled 'nicotine-free' can have high nicotine levels. People can think they are using nicotine-free vapes and can unknowingly quickly develop a nicotine addiction.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Vaping facts

Many vapes contain nicotine making them addictive

Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray

Vapes can leave young people at increased risk of depression and anxiety

The nicotine in 1 vape can = 50 cigarettes. Depending on the size of the vape and nicotine strength, it can be much higher

Young people who vape are 3 times more likely to take up smoking cigarettes

Vape aerosol is not water vapour

Vaping has been linked to lung disease.

Vapes can cause long-lasting damaging effects on the brain and physical development.

Download vaping fact sheet as a PDF

Support to quit vaping

Young people should see their General Practitioner, youth health service, or other health services for help to quit vaping.

Quitline counsellors are available to answer any questions about vapes on 13 7848 (13 QUIT). Quitline is a telephone-based service offering information and advice. Quitline counsellors provide tips and strategies, and help people to plan their quit attempts, based on their own needs and preferences. They can also help parents and carers think of ways to approach a conversation about vaping with young people.

The Aboriginal Quitline is also available on 13 7848. Run by Aboriginal counsellors, the Aboriginal Quitline is a telephone-based confidential advice and support service.

If you require assistance in a language other than English, Quitline has counsellors who speak Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese. You can ask to speak to one of these counsellors. For people who prefer to speak in a different language, Quitline uses theTelephone Interpreter Service (TIS).

The Cancer Institute NSW iCanQuit website provides information on quitting methods, links to support groups and top tips to help young people quit.

Too much nicotine from vapes can cause nicotine poisoning. If you think someone has been poisoned by liquid nicotine, please call the Poisons Centre on 13 11 26 immediately or 000 if it is an emergency. For more information see NSW Poisons Information Centre.

Find more information

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electronic cigarettes e-cigarettes vapes vaping youth parents schools health promotion

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Many vapes contain nicotine making them addictive. Vapes can contain many harmful chemicals - they just don't put it on the pack. Vape aerosol is not water vapour. Vapes are not water. The main ingredient in vapes is propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine or glyercol.

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Fact sheet from Care in Mind

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Inhalant Fact Sheet from Headspace - including Chroming

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Inhalant Fact Sheet from Headspace - including Chroming

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inhalants fact sheet inc chroming- Headspace

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Drug and Alcohol Information - Positive Choices

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Drug and Alcohol Information - Positive Choices

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Knowing your own choices, know the facts about drugs, helping a friend.

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For many people, the past year has been a challenging and stressful time.
During stressful times everyone copes differently. If you are feeling sad, worried, or uncertain, it is important to talk about it and reach out for support. You can find a list of places to get help here.

Below are some practical strategies that can help to promote mental health:

Get a good night's sleep.

Schedule time with family and friends.

Take a break and schedule some fun.

Move your body.

Keep a thoughts and feelings journal.

Talk it through.

Avoid using drugs and alcohol.

To read more about the strategies above and looking after your mental health read the full factsheet here.

What are illegal drugs? Are they all addictive?

Drugs are substances that affect the way your mind and body functions. Drugs can affect the way your brain works, influence your emotions and behaviours, and even your understanding and senses.

If a drug is classified as 'illegal' this means it's forbidden by law, due to the harm it can cause to your health, your life, or the life of others. There are many factors which influence whether someone becomes dependent (addicted), but regular drug use is a common factor.

To learn more about different types of drugs, and drug related terms, check out our glossary and drug information factsheets.

What are the effects of alcohol and other drugs?

There are many ways that alcohol and other drugs can affect you, both physically and mentally.
Drugs can have 'depressant', 'stimulant', or 'hallucinogenic' effects (read our factsheet to find out more). Alcohol and drugs affect the way that your brain processes and responds to information, as well as how your brain develops. Learn more about how alcohol, cannabis, and MDMA (ecstasy) affect your brain in these videos.

The effects of alcohol and other drugs can differ from person to person based on body size, general health, amount of drug used, the drug's potency (strength), and the situation in which it is taken. In addition to the immediate or short-term effects, drugs can have effects that persist for hours or even days after the drug is taken.

To learn about the short and long-term effects of specific drugs check out our Drugs A-Z factsheets.

How many young people use drugs and alcohol in Australia?

Young people often overestimate how commonly drugs and alcohol are used.
The truth is that more and more young people are choosing not to use alcohol or other drugs. In the past month, among 12-17-year old Australians:

1 in 4 (27%) used alcohol

1 in 12 (8%) used cannabis

1 in 50 (2%) used MDMA/ecstasy

1 in 100 (1%) used heroin

1 in 100 (1%) used hallucinogens

1 in 100 (1%) used methamphetamine

1 in 100 (1%) used cocaine

What makes drugs addictive?

There are a number of factors that can make it difficult to cut down or stop using alcohol or other drugs. One factor is that, over time, drugs affect how the brain's "reward pathway" works. As drug use continues, the brain changes and relies on drugs to produce "rewarding" feelings. These feelings are produced by chemicals (e.g., dopamine) that the brain releases when something positive happens (e.g., winning at sport or getting a good grade on a test). When someone uses drugs, their brain is flooded with reward chemicals that are produced due to the drugs. With repeated drugs use, the brain stops releasing (or releases less of) the chemicals. When that happens, more of the drug is needed to get the rewarding feeling. This is called tolerance. The body gets used to this "high" and expects the drug so when people try to cut down or stop using drugs, they experience unpleasant symptoms (shaking, feeling sick) and feelings (sadness, agitation). This is called withdrawal. While this is the most influential factor, there are many other factors that can contribute to dependence (addiction), and they include trauma, family and friend influence and genetics to name a few.

To learn more about different types of drugs and drug-related terms check out our glossary.

I'm worried about a friend or family member. What should I do?

If you're worried about a friend or family member's drug use then it is a good idea to talk about your concerns with them, in a calm and non-judgemental manner. Before having the conversation, it is useful to gather information about the drug(s) you think they are using and have a clear idea of what it is that's worrying you.

For more tips on how to support and talk to them see our factsheet on how to help a friend or family member with their drug or alcohol use.

You can also find a list of services for all ages on our where to get help and advice page.

For many people, the past year has been a challenging and stressful time.
During stressful times everyone copes differently. If you are feeling sad, worried, or uncertain, it is important to talk about it and reach out for support. You can find a list of places to get help here.

Below are some practical strategies that can help to promote mental health:

Get a good night's sleep.

Schedule time with family and friends.

Take a break and schedule some fun.

Move your body.

Keep a thoughts and feelings journal.

Talk it through.

Avoid using drugs and alcohol.

To read more about the strategies above and looking after your mental health read the full factsheet here.

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Drug and Alcohol Education Resources for Students

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For many people, the past year has been a challenging and stressful time.During stressful times everyone copes differently. If you are feeling sad, worried, or uncertain, it is important to talk about it and reach out for support. You can find a list of places to get help here.

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from QUIT

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Mythbusting factsheet - eCigarettes - QUIT

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From QUIT

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Vaping and your health - for teens - QUIT

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It's been a stressful time all around the world as we deal with coronavirus and the uncertainty it brings. Here are some resources to help you cope.

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Including quizzes in relation to your relationship "Is your relationship healthy?" and "Am I a good partner"

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Healthy relationships for young adults can be confusing. Love is more than just the way you feel, and we’re here to help.

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Resource from the "I Can Network"
https://icannetwork.online/autistic-lgbtqia/

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Young & eSafe is practical advice by young people, for young people to help challenge the haters and fakers online.

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Young and eSafe - Student home | eSafety Commissioner

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Practical online safety advice for young people. Arm yourself with the skills to help you and your friends have the best possible experience online.

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Beyond Now - suicide safety planning app

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Beyond Now - suicide safety planning app

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The Beyond Now suicide safety planning app helps you stay safe if you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings, distress or crisis.

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Beyond Now suicide safety planning app

You can use the app to create your own easy-to-follow plan to help you in those moments when you can't think straight.

Your plan is personal to you and includes steps to help you:

know your warning signs, so you can act early

make your environment safe by removing harmful items

distract yourself with activities you can do or people you can be with

remember things that make you feel strong.

You can create your plan by yourself, or you can ask someone for help. Some of these steps might be tough to fill out, and that's okay. It can be helpful to share your safety plan with a trusted friend, family member, Elder or mental health professional.

Even if you feel like you're alone, help is available. The red telephone icon in the app connects you straight to your emergency contacts.

Read the Beyond Now app's Terms of Use and Privacy Collection Statement.

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Sometimes life can be overwhelming, and suicide may seem like the only way to relieve the pain. Beyond Now is an app created by Beyond Blue to support people through these feelings.

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Unhealthy dating relationship scenarios including jealousy, possessiveness and emotional and physical abuse

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Play It Out - Unhealthy Dating Relationships: Are You Blinded By The Bright Light Of Love?

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Unfortunately jealousy, possessiveness, and emotional and physical abuse are accepted behaviors in far too many young relationships. This program challenges teens...

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Everybody deserves to feel safe

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Everybody deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

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CONSENT - it's as easy as a cup of tea. Watch this 2min video.

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Information and resources for issues relating to
* health and wellbeing
* mental health
* alcohol & other drugs
* work and study
* life issues including relationships, grief & loss, sexuality, bullying, anger and technology

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If you are a young person aged between 12-25 and need information relating to general mental health, physical health, work & study and alcohol and other drugs, this section is designed for you.

Need some extra support?

Try an interactive activity or connect with a mental health professional.
Get online & phone support

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Get information relating to mental health, physical health, work and study and alcohol and other drugs. For young people aged between 12-25.

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If you would like a printed wallet card for yourself, please email childprotection@mn.catholic.org.au and we will arrange to get one sent out to you.

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Self-harm - Non Harmful ways to manage how I feel (resource)

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Self-harm - Non Harmful ways to manage how I feel (resource)

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Talk to someone including a friend, relative, local support group, a helpline.

If you feel you have to self-harm, try the following instead:

* Write down how you are feeling then rip it up
* punch a punching bag or kick something soft
* scream into a pillow
* exercise
* bite into a piece of ginger or chilli
* squeeze an ice cube as hard as you can
* snap elastic bands on your wrist

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QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

QLife services are free and include both telephone and webchat support, delivered by trained LGBTI community members across the country.

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For free and confidential legal advice about this topic, please contact us

There are generally no laws about when a young person can start dating another young person, but there are lots of laws around doing sexual acts with another person (including online sexual acts). If you think you are ready to start having a sexual relationship with someone, it is important to be aware of the laws that say how old you have to be, what a sexual act is, and what consent is.

Remember, it is NEVER okay for someone to force you to do something sexual without your permission, and you have the right to say NO at any time. For more information about sexual abuse take a look at .

Dating and relationships

In general, there are no laws that say when a young person can start dating another person (but there are laws about doing sexual activity with another person, which we explain below).

However, there are laws which make grooming children under the age of 16 illegal. In NSW, grooming may occur where an adult over 18 exposes a child under 16 years of age to sexual material (like a film or a picture), or gives the child gifts or drugs or alcohol, with the intention of engaging the child in sexual activity with the adult or any other person. These laws can also apply to online relationships.

What is sex and sexual activity?

The law says that sexual intercourse is any penetration of a person's genitalia or anus by any part of the body of another person or any object, or any kind of oral sex.

A sexual act is more broad and can include many different types of activities, such as:

sexual intercourse with another person

sexual touching - this includes touching over the clothes, touching under the clothes, handjobs and kissing

sexual acts that don't involve touching - this can include masturbating in front of a person or encouraging a person to carry out a sexual act.

Consent is required for any sexual act, not just those involving penetration.

There are also special laws that apply to recording a sexual activity with another person or sending or receiving sexual pictures or videos. For more information about these laws please see our pages on and image-based abuse .

What is consent?

"Consent" means free and voluntary agreement. It is useful to think of consent as an enthusiastic yes! It is never okay for someone to assume you have given consent or to force you to keep going if you want to stop. You can also change your mind or withdraw your consent at any time.

Consent is really important, and we recommend you check out our page on consent if you are thinking of having sex or doing something sexual with another person.

What does age of consent mean?

The age of consent is the age at which the law says a person can agree to sexual activity. If you are under the age of consent, the law says that you cannot legally agree to sexual activity, and any person who does something sexual with you has broken the law.

In NSW, the age of consent is 16. If you are 16 years old and above, you can legally have sex (or do another sexual activity) with another person who is 16 years or older as long as you both agree to it.

In NSW, consent to a sexual activity with a person who is under 16 can be a defence to sexual crimes if both people are 14 or over, and the difference in age is not more than 2 years.

It is a crime for a person to do a sexual act with another person who is under 14 years old. It is also a crime for a person to have sexual intercourse with a close family member who is 16 years or older, including a parent, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild - even if there is consent.

If someone has done something that makes you uncomfortable

What happens if someone breaks these laws?

If someone is found guilty of breaking the laws around sex and consent, they may be convicted of a criminal offence. Sexual offences can carry serious penalties, and a person who has been convicted of a sexual offence against a child may be placed on the Child Protection Register in NSW.

If you think you might have broken these laws, or you are worried about the police contacting you, you can for free and confidential legal advice. If you think someone else might have broken these laws and them doing so has affected you, please also .

Thinking about having sex?

Deciding to start a sexual relationship with someone, or have sex with them, is a big step. It's important to make sure you feel ready. It's normal to feel nervous and excited, and it can be helpful to talk to someone about how you are feeling before you decide.

If you feel pressured to do something sexual, or if you're not sure if you want to, you can say NO. And if you say yes and then decide you no longer want to do something, you can stop at any time. The other person must respect your choice. If they do something sexual with you without your agreement, they may be committing a serious crime.

If you are thinking about having sex, please be aware of the risks that are involved with unsafe or unprotected sex. These risks include:

getting a sexually transmissible infection (STI) like chlamydia;

getting a blood borne virus like HIV;

unplanned pregnancy; and

unplanned parenthood.

For information about how you can protect yourself from the risks of unsafe sex, you can see your GP or visit one of these websites:

Important contacts

You can also contact the services listed below to talk about anything relating to sex including safe sex, what is considered normal in a relationship, or if you are worried you might be pregnant. They are not the police or a government department, and you do not have to give them your name and details if you don't want to.

Family Planning NSW is a sexual and reproductive health clinic and education service for all people living in NSW. They have clinics in Ashfield, Newcastle, Penrith, Dubbo and Fairfield as well as outreach locations.

You can call these clinics Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm:

1800RESPECT provides free counselling, information and support for people who have experienced sexual assault or domestic and family violence. You can call them on 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Did you find the information on this page useful?

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For free and confidential legal advice about this topic, please contact us There are generally no laws about when a young person can start dating another young person, but there are lots of laws around doing sexual acts with another person (including online sexual acts).

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Sexting - what can happen when you sext?

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What you share could become public, so it’s important to figure out what you feel comfortable with sharing.

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Link to make a report to eSafety Commissioner

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Link to make a report to eSafety Commissioner

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Report online harm | eSafety Commissioner

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Make a report about cyberbullying, image-based abuse or illegal and harmful content.

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4 things everyone needs to stop doing online

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4 things everyone needs to stop doing online

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From pretending to be someone else online to posting from someone else's profile, here are four things everyone needs to stop doing online.

1. Posting from someone else's profile or changing it. If you don't have consent, it's not right. You may think it's a harmless joke, but it's not a joke unless everyone is in on it.

2. Pretending to be someone else online. It's an invasion of their privacy. Plus, being yourself just feels right.

3. Sending photos of someone without their permission. Everyone has the right to choose who sees their photos, and which photos of theirs are posted online.

4. Intentionally excluding someone, like leaving someone out of group chats. It's never nice to feel left out, and just because it's happening behind a screen, doesn't mean it still doesn't feel awful.

These things happen online all the time. You might think they're harmless, because it's 'just the internet', but there are real people with feelings behind (most of) the accounts you see online. 'Treat people how you want to be treated' applies to social media, too.

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4 things everyone needs to stop doing online

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Here's four things people do online that need to stop

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Information on cyberbullying and what criminal laws apply.

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Cyberbullying is where someone bullies another person online (e.g. on a social networking site) or by sending emails or messages using a phone or computer.

Cyberbullying can cause serious problems for everyone involved, and in some cases it can be a crime.
We recommend that you think very carefully before you say things about anyone else online or in an email or message. If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, phone 000.
What is cyberbullying?

If a person bullies someone by sending emails or messages or by saying or doing things online (e.g. on a social networking site) then it's often called cyberbullying .

Bullying is repeated behaviour which is done on purpose to make someone feel hurt, upset, scared or embarrassed.

Cyberbullying can happen in lots of different ways. For example, it can include sending or posting nasty or embarrassing comments or photos, spreading rumours, making threats, excluding someone online, or pretending to be someone else to make them look bad.

What criminal laws apply?

In serious cases, cyberbullying can be a crime.

We explain some of the main laws that could apply below. But please note, the law in this area is complicated and this is just a summary.

If you are worried about anything that you or someone else has sent or posted, you can contact us here.

Using a phone or the internet in a menacing, harassing or offensive way

There is a national law that makes it a crime to use a phone or the internet in a way that is menacing, harassing or offensive. To be considered a crime, the behaviour must be likely to have a serious effect on the person targeted.

Cyberbullying may be a crime under this law if, for example, it involves frightening someone by threatening to harm them, bothering someone over and over again so that they feel afraid, or if messages, emails or posts make someone feel seriously angry or upset.

Stalking or intimidation

Cyberbullying may be a crime under NSW law if it involves or intimidating someone to purposely make them feel frightened.

is where a person keeps giving someone else unwanted attention, e.g. by contacting them or following them around. It includes contacting or approaching them using the internet or other technology.

harasses someone, including by cyberbullying them (e.g. posting or sending offensive material over social media or by email);

approaches someone in a way that makes them feel scared, including by sending threatening emails or text messages, or posting things online.

There is also a law in NSW which makes it a crime to assault, stalk, harass or intimidate any school student or member of staff on school grounds. This could apply to cyber-bullying that happens at school or to anyone from school.

Making threats

Cyberbullying may be a crime under national law if it involves using a phone or the internet to scare someone by threatening to kill or seriously harm them.

It may also be a crime under NSW law if it involves sending emails, messages or posts which threaten to kill or hurt someone or threaten to destroy or damage property, or if it involves publicly threatening or encouraging violence against someone because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex or HIV/AIDS status.

Encouraging suicide

Cyberbullying may be a crime if it tries to persuade someone to commit suicide.

Under national law, it is a crime to use a phone or the internet to send or post anything that encourages or helps someone to commit suicide. There is also a NSW law which makes it a crime to encourage or help someone commit suicide.

Nude or sexual images

Cyberbullying could be a crime if it involves sending or posting nude or sexual images of someone without their permission, or threatening to. This is called image-based abuse and it is a crime in NSW and is also against national law.

Other criminal laws that could apply

Depending on the circumstances, some other criminal laws may also apply to cyber-bullying.

For example:

it is a crime under national and NSW law to log on to someone's online accounts to access information or change anything without permission, or to commit a serious offence (e.g. to stalk or intimidate someone);

it is a crime under national law to use a phone or the internet to commit a serious offence (e.g., to stalk or intimidate someone); and

it is a crime under NSW law to 'publish' (e.g. post online) untrue things about someone which damages their reputation (defames them) if the aim is to cause them serious harm.

What civil (non-criminal) laws apply?

Cyberbullying may also breach some civil laws.

For example, it's against anti-discrimination laws to publicly encourage hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule towards someone because of their race, transgender identity, homosexuality or HIV/AIDS status.

Cyberbullying may also be considered defamation if the online posts or messages damage someone's reputation because they say untrue things about them. See our page on Defamation for more information.

What could happen if I cyberbully someone?

If you commit a crime...

If you commit one of the crimes we have talked about above, the consequences can be very serious. You may be investigated and charged by the police, and if you are found guilty you could end up with a criminal record or even go to jail.

The ​maximum penalties for some of the offences are high (e.g. up to 3 years in jail for using a phone or the internet in a menacing or harassing way, 5 years in jail for stalking or intimidating someone, and up to 10 years in jail for sending emails or posts which threaten to kill or hurt someone).
If you have committed one or more of the crimes we've talked about and you are contacted by the police, we strongly recommend that you get legal advice straight away. You can contact us for help here.
If the cyberbullying is serious, the eSafety Commissioner could investigate...

The eSafety Commissioner can investigate serious cyberbullying which targets someone under 18.

If someone makes a report about something you've said or done online and the Commissioner decides to act, then it can ask social media services to remove cyberbullying material, work with everyone involved (including schools and parents) to help stop the cyberbullying, and/or order you to remove the material, stop the cyberbullying and/or apologise.

In more serious cases it can refer the cyber-bullying to the police. You can see the Cyberbullying complaints section of the eSafety Commissioner's website for more information.

We recommend that you think very carefully before you say anything about someone online or in an email or message. If you are having issues with anyone, try not to react to them by email, text or social networking sites. Remember, if something is posted online, it's never private and it's permanent - even after you delete it. If someone cyberbullies you, try not to retaliate by saying something hurtful back, especially online, as it might make the bullying worse or could be used against you.

What can I do if I think I have cyberbullied someone?

Get legal advice. If you are worried that you have cyberbullied someone, we recommend that you get legal advice straight away.

For free legal advice, you can or one of these services:

If you are questioned by the police, in some circumstances you must give your correct name and address (e.g. if the police think an offence has been committed and that you can help them investigate it). Other than that, you have the right to remain silent, even if you have been arrested. Try to remain calm, and politely ask to get legal advice before you give them any other information. For more information see our page on My rights with police
If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, call the police on 000.
Removing the material. It's usually best to remove any material you are worried about, especially if someone has asked you to take something down that you've said or posted about them or if you have been contacted by the eSafety Commissioner. We suggest you get legal advice or talk to a trusted adult, especially if you are planning to contact the person (e.g. to apologise).

What can I do if I am being cyberbullied?

Get legal advice. If you are being cyberbullied, there are things you can do to protect yourself. In serious cases you might be able to get an apprehended violence order (AVO), or take other legal action against the person.

Every situation is different, and a lawyer can help you understand your options.

For free legal advice, you can or one of these services:

For more information on AVOs you can see our page on Restraining orders .

Talk to someone. Getting someone's support can make you feel better and it's important to know that you're not alone. You can talk to a friend, your parents, or other trusted adult.

If you would rather talk to a trained counsellor, you can call one of the services ​listed below ​ for free and private counselling support.

Report it to the police. If you think you are the victim of one of the crimes we've talked about above, you can report it to the police. But it's a good idea to get legal advice first, especially if you're worried about anything you've said or done or if your situation involves a nude or sexual image of a young person. You should contact the police immediately if someone is threatening you.

Collect evidence. It's a good idea to collect evidence of the cyberbullying if you decide to take further action (e.g. take screenshots or print messages, posts or emails). For help and more information see the eSafety Commissioner's guides - How to collect evidence and Collecting information.

Stopping the cyberbullying. If you want to take steps to get cyberbullying material removed or to stop the cyberbullying, you can:

report it to the social media service, website or phone company (you can see the eSafety Commissioner's Social media safety centres for help with this); or

if you feel comfortable, contact the person cyberbullying you and ask them to stop and/or to delete any material they have sent or posted.

If you are being cyberbullied by someone at your school, you can speak to a teacher, the principal or the school counsellor so that the school can help you sort things out. For more information you can see our page on Bullying at School . If you are being cyberbullied by someone at work, then you can see our page on Bullying in the workplace .

Report it to the eSafety Commissioner. If you are under 18 and the victim of serious cyber-bullying, you can make a report to the eSafety Commissioner. The Commissioner can work with you to help stop the cyberbullying and get the material removed.

For more information about how to make a report, including what information you need to include and what you need to do first, see the Cyberbullying complaints and Report cyberbullying sections of the eSafety Commissioner's website . Note that the Commissioner can tell other people about your complaint, including the person responsible or the police, but (unless you are in danger) it will try to ask your permission first.

Take steps to stay safe online. There are steps you can take to stay safe online and to stop people contacting or bullying you, for example by blocking or unfriending people who upset you and keeping your privacy settings private. We recommend you check out the following resources to make sure you've done everything you can to protect yourself from online abuse of any kind.

What can I do if I have seen cyberbullying?

If you know someone who is being cyberbullied or you have seen cyberbullying online, it is important that you don't join in, forward or share material or comment on anything. This could get you into trouble, as well as making things worse for the person being bullied. It is best if you leave any conversations or group chats if people are being nasty about someone.

There are things you can do to help stop the bullying and to support the people involved. For more information see the Australian Human Rights Commission's webpage on What you can do to stop bullies - Be a supportive bystander , or visit one of the websites below.

Counselling and support services

If you would like to talk to a trained counsellor, t he following services offer free and private counselling support.

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 (available 24/7, for young people between 5 and 25)

eHeadspace 1800 650 890 (available 9am to 1am, everyday, for young people between 12 and 25)

Lifeline 13 11 14 (available 24/7, for all ages)

QLife 1800 184 527 (available 3pm to midnight, everyday, for all ages)

1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 (available 24/7, for all ages)

Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78 (available 24/7, for men of all ages)

Did you find the information on this page useful?

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Find out what the law says about cyber-bullying and what you can do if you have been bullied or if you think you may have bullied someone online.

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eSafety - everything you need to know about staying safe online

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eSafety - everything you need to know about staying safe online

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Topics include:
* Catfishing
* Online gaming
* Ive been pressured to send nudes
* Someone is sending me nudes
* Cyberbullying
* Online hate
* Fake news
* Your digital repuation
and more.

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Practical advice for young people about staying safe online