Rise in harmful online behaviours

Lately, we have all been experienced a challenging environment – many, including myself are experiencing a second lockdown, staying at home, quarantining, or self-isolating. But what I was disturbed to find out was that according to new research, cyberbullying has skyrocketed during the pandemic. Over the past six months, it seems that more young people and adults, with more access to online devices have turned to cyberbullying, trolling, and other worrying online behaviours.

In fact, according to the Australian Government’s eSafety Commission, the amount of reports made by young people concerning cyberbullying and abuse on private messaging platforms, social media, gaming sites, and online chatrooms have more than tripled during this time.

A similar report by the Online Hate Prevention institute also found that visits to hate pages by adult internet users have also increased during this period. A greater number of trolling and hate posts have also been made during this time.

Just last month, a man was arrested for making online threats towards Tigers star, Dylan Grimes. He is now expected to face court over several serious charges.

2020 has been a hard time for everyone, but now more than ever, we need to remember the importance of treating people with kindness, and role modelling kind and respectful behaviours.

I was proud to see Nine NRL host Erin Molan recently calling out for more serious action to be taken against online trolls, to stop them in their tracks.

In an interview with Nine, she said, “I've been the victim of some of the most horrific trolling and abuse online for the better part of a decade. I am essentially immune to it.

“(But) every Australian (should have) the right to feel safe online.

“People take their lives, strong people take their lives, because of bullying online.”

I couldn’t agree with you more, Erin. Bullying, be it online or offline, ruins lives, and is one of the biggest contributors to depression, anxiety, and suicide. It’s time for us to come together as a community, and step up to put a stop to bullying. In short, take accountability for your behaviour online, and be a positive role model for your own, and for the next generation.

Here are some ways you can do this:

1. Think before you post. Would you say it to the person’s face? If not, don’t post it online.
2. Take control of your online experience. If you see something online that doesn’t sit right with you, report it. Chances are that it doesn’t sit well with others either. By reporting it, you are helping to ensure that bad behaviour online does not go unnoticed, and are making sure that the online community remains a safe place for everyone.
3. Show respect and tolerance for the views of others. You don’t have to agree with everything that is posted online, but if you want to share your opinion, do so in a way that is respectful, and does not impact the feelings of others.
4. Turn on your privacy settings, but remember that nothing you share online is totally private. Remember that there is a chance that anything you post could be seen by anyone (be it family members or future employers), so consider whether you are happy for what you are posting to remain a part of your permanent online record.
5. Don’t post when you’re upset or angry. These emotions can cause us to do and say things that we can regret down the track, so take some time to cool off, then re-consider if you really want to post.

Perhaps most importantly, if you are the one being harassed, don’t suffer in silence. Always block and report the user, and keep a record of what has been said, as this can help the social media platform or website administrator to take action.

If online bullying has got you down and you need a friendly ear to talk to, or you just need some help deciding where to go from here, there are people out there who can help you take back control.

Lifeline - 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 46 36 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

Kids Helpline (under 25s) - 1800 551 800 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

eHeadspace (under 25s) - 1800 650 890