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"The developing digital landscape has opened up many opportunities for children,
for creativity, for connecting people, for learning.
But we need to recognise that with this evolving technology and landscape,
which has indeed brought so many benefits and enhancements to us individually, and to society
We need to recognise that it can be used in a very negative, anti-social way.
Cyberbullying is a growing concern amongst younger people,
and for the adults who care for them.
This kind of bullying can happen in school or out of school, it can happen at any time day or night
It can leave someone feeling abused, humiliated, embarrassed.
The impact can be very damaging, sometimes irretrievably so.
No one has to put up with cyberbullying, at its worst, it's illegal, and can be dealt with by the police.
But when a joke goes too far, or teasing gets out of control,
There are things that we can do to stop the bullying, to take back control,
and to educate people to the part that they can play,
in what is, and is not acceptable in society.
We need to teach children that the consequences of what they do online can be very serious.
We need to teach those who stand by, that they need to step up,
and help their friends.
And equally importantly we need to help those who are thinking of engaging in cyberbullying,
to think twice about what they do before they act.
And for those who are the subject of the bullying, we need to provide them with timely support and advice.
We need to equip them with strategies to deal with the situation,
To be able to block, or stop the bullying, to keep the evidence.
To tell a trusted adult that there is or may be something wrong, and to take advantage
of the reporting mechanisms that sites and internet and mobile service providers offer.
Schools play a very important role here, they need to ensure that their anti-bullying policies are updated
to include cyberbullying.
and provide clear advice, and reporting mechanisms to the students involved.
And school staff need to be aware of the problem, and to be aware of the role they can play
within the school environment.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority would like to thank the Department for Children,
Schools and Families in the UK, and Childnet International,
for making this quality resource available to Australia.
Cyberbullying is an issue that requires dialogue, within the whole school community.
Between schools, between the parents, and of course between the students themselves.
And government and industry have a part to play.
Together we can all fight cyberbullying.