Resources and links
Assistance and information
- The family or local GP may be able to assist parents with concerns about the health and wellbeing of their child and will be able to provide a referral to a psychologist or mediator to assist families with concerns about the impact of exposure to inappropriate content.
- The Kids Helpline can provide confidential support and assistance to children and young people with concerns about their online safety or may be upset following exposure to inappropriate content. The Kids Helpline phone number is 1800 551 800.
- The Cybersafety Contact Centre can provide general cybersafety information. To contact the centre, phone 1800 880 176.
Reporting prohibited online content
Contact the local police or the Australian Federal Police, or local state or territory education authority if there are concerns or suspicions that students may be taking and/or sharing sexual images of themselves or peers.
Educators should also be cautious if intercepting any content which may constitute child pornography, and should not interact with the information, forward or share it in any way. They should immediately seek guidance from local police or the Australian Federal Police.
Advice should also be sought regarding the creation and/or distribution of content that may demonstrate violence or bullying, or demonstrate illegal activities of any nature.
The ACMA responds to community concerns about offensive and illegal material online by administering a national regulatory scheme that includes the investigation of complaints about prohibited online content, including internet and mobile phone content, and internet gambling services. To find out more or to report content that may be prohibited visit the ACMA’s website.
Internet safety awareness presentations
As part of its Cybersafety Outreach program, the ACMA offers free general internet safety awareness presentations for parents, students and teachers. Each presentation is approximately 60 minutes, excluding question time.
These presentations are easy to understand, thorough, non-technical and informative. They cover a range of issues including:
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the ways children use the internet and emerging technologies
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potential risks faced by children when online such as cyberbullying, identity theft, inappropriate contact and exposure to inappropriate content
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tips and strategies to help children stay safe online.
Book an internet safety awareness presentation.
Professional development for educators
In consultation with key stakeholders and education bodies, ACMA has developed a free and accredited Cybersafety Outreach—Professional Development for Educators (PD) program. The program is available as a full-day workshop or as 3 x 2 hour sessions and provides teachers with a comprehensive understanding of a modern student’s technology profile, digital literacy, positive online behaviour, personal and peer safety and the school’s and teachers’ legal obligations to minimise and address risks.
Book teacher professional development.
Policies and procedures
Cybersafety policies and procedures have been developed by state and territory education authorities. Links to available policies and procedures are provided within the Policies and procedures section of the Schools Gateway.