Julian Simmonds (Ryan, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown up numerous challenges, but none as insidious as the rise of cyberbullying and online image based abuse. Our eSafety Commissioner is reporting a 40 per cent increase in online abuse, including 21 per cent increase in cyberbullying, spikes in online child abuse material and an 86 per cent increase in image based abuse. COVID-19 has triggered a spike in online scams intended to defraud socially-isolated seniors, hijack identities and spread misinformation. This behaviour is abhorrent all the time, but the rise of exploitation as more people are stuck at home and seeking company and connection via the internet is extremely worrying.

Our eSafety Commissioner has released a dedicated COVID-19 e-safety booklet with specific tips for this time when children are spending more time at home and online. We can protect our kids by talking to them about online safety to help them make good choices. Tips for parents include using online devices in open areas of the home, checking privacy settings and knowing what apps our kids are using. Parents and all of us need to keep an eye out for unwanted online contact and know how to respond, and you can find those details at esafety.gov.au.

As we face the COVID health crisis, the economic recovery, and provide mental health support, we must also tackle the increase in online harm. We must protect our kids and vulnerable seniors, and the increase in online harm that we currently face requires greater attention from us all. Thank you.