eSafety

The Internet is an excellent place to access information and share news of your own, but there are also plenty of risks. Have you experienced cyberbullying? Do you know when not to click on a link or advertisement? Are your passwords strong and secure?

Office of the eSafety Commissioner

Tips and Advice

Consider your safety before 'checking in' or using location based services. The Service Vic QR Code service needs location service on your mobile phone.
Regularly update your privacy settings, including your passwords.
Don't believe everything you read online. If you're unsure, check with staff or another family member.
Stop and think before sharing personal or financial information.
Only open attachments or follow links from trusted sources.
If you experience cyberbullying, take a screenshot as evidence before blocking that person and reporting the incident immediately to staff, family or police.

Cyber.gov.au: The Australian Government's website to help everyone understand the risks and simple steps we can take to protect our personal and financial information online.

eSmart

eSmart Libraries: A framework for libraries to ensure that all services are promoting safe, smart and responsible use of technology.

Monash Public Library Service supports this initiative and is currently reviewing practices and processes.

eSmart Schools: A framework for schools to improve cybersafety and reduce bullying.

Online Bullying

eSafety: The Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner leads online safety education for the Australian Government, helping to protect children against cyberbullying and administering a complaints scheme.

Bullying. No way! Created by Australia’s educational communities, this site aims to provide an information sharing resource and includes information on legislation, policies/procedures and support services.

Kids Help Line: Free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 years. Website includes comprehensive “Infosheets” on topics including Bullying, Eating Disorders & Drug and Alcohol use.

Privacy and Reporting

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): Provides information on how The Privacy Act protects personal information. Includes information pages on IT and Internet issues.

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA): Accepts direct complaints from Australian residents about online content they believe is prohibited by law (including spam).

eSafety Reporting

eSafety can only investigate a report about serious online abuse of a specific person (not a broad group of unidentified people).

ID Care

IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity & cyber support service. It is a registered charity and has helped thousands of Australian and New Zealand individuals and organisations reduce the harm they experience from the compromise and misuse of their identity information by providing effective response and mitigation.

Financial Services and Scams

Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN): Provides advice on how to recognise and avoid cybercrimes. Report suspected crimes here.

Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC): Regulates Australia’s corporate, markets and financial services. Provides information on who to contact for complaints regarding any aspect of a financial service or product such as superannuation, managed funds, financial advice, insurance, credit or deposit accounts.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission(ACCC): Ensures that individuals and businesses comply with the Commonwealth competition, fair trading and consumer protection laws. Provides information for consumers on legislation and making a complaint.

ACCC Little Black Book of Scams. Translated into ten languages. Available to download as PDF.

For Parents

CyberParent App: Newly created App from Multicultural Foundation Australia to encourage safe internet use in Australian homes. Available in 17 different languages, including: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Pashto, Spanish, Somali, Turkish, Urdu (from September 2017) and Vietnamese.

ThinkuKnow: Think U Know what young people see, say and do online? Resource sheets and information for parents and young people.

iParents : From the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, parents can learn about the digital environment and how to help your child have safe and enjoyable online experiences.

Free eSafety Webinar series on a number of topics.

Personal Security Guides

Personal Security Guides from Cyber.gov.au. Includes information on backing up your device, securing your mobile and special guide for seniors

Chinese language cybersafety resources

Chinese eSafety information

Fake news

Fake news is the buzz phrase of our time. Are you confident at spotting fake news before sharing it on your social networks? Try one of these fact checking websites.