Cyber bullies face new crackdown

Hobart Mercury, Saturday 13 September 2014:

NEW measures to combat cyber-bullying will be introduced as a matter of urgency, says Parliamentary Secretary to Communications Minister Paul Fletcher. 

They include the introduction of a Children’s e-Safety Commissioner, a rapid response scheme to get cyberbullying material off social media quickly and simplified cyber-bullying law provisions. 

The Government put out an online safety discussion paper at the beginning of the year. 

“[Tasmanian anti-bullying organisation] Chloe’s Law put a submission in welcoming the introduction of a Children’s e-Safety Commissioner,’’ he said. “The problem with cyberbullying is that as soon as you turn on your PC or your phone or tablet you can be exposed to a stream of abuse and ridicule and obviously that means it’s hard to feel safe anywhere. 

“The other thing is that you feel like you’re being ridiculed in full view of everybody else, you feel that there is an audience watching.’’

Mr Fletcher said research showed cyber-bullying was widespread, affecting 20 per cent of Australians aged 8-17, or 463,000 in the past year.

Other studies show that 53 per cent of teens have been exposed to cyber-bullying, but with only a fraction telling their parents about it. 

He said cyber-bullying has increased since it first emerged as a behaviour and can have lasting effects, with links to low self-esteem, mental health issues, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking. 

ABS data shows that youth suicide rates are increasing, with suicides among 15-19 year-olds increasing by 10 per cent from 2011 to 2012. 

The May Budget allocated $10 million for online safety policy measures. 

Last night was the official launch of Chloe’s Voice, changing from Chloe’s Law as it is now a registered not-forprofit organisation and the campaign encompasses more than law reform.

Chloe’s Voice founder Cassie Whitehill said yesterday was the second annual Say No To Bullying Day with the community rallying together, wearing blue and standing up to bullying. 

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation chief executive Judith Slocombe said Chloe’s Voice was having a huge impact. 

“Cassie is an amazing woman who has done a lot of work and raised awareness of the important issue of bullying so we as a foundation will do whatever we can to support her,” she said.

For 24/7 crisis support, call Kids Helpline 1800 551 800, Lifeline 131 114, SCBS 1300 65946 or headspace.org.au