New research released by the eSafety Commissioner has found that three in 10 teenagers have been contacted online by strangers.
The research, which coincided with Safer Internet Day, also revealed teens were spending around two hours a day online and on average used four different social media services.
“There is also a good chance they have had a negative experience online,” the research found.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant said the research, The Digital Lives of Aussie Teens, showed that while the teens’ increased use of technology offered many benefits, there was a distinct downside — “dealing with negative online experiences such as unwanted contact and cyber-bullying”.
The research also found that two in 10 teenagers reported being sent unwanted inappropriate content, such as pornography or depictions of violent acts.
“The pleasing news is that, compared to 2017 research, more teens appear to be taking some form of action after a negative online experience,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“That could mean managing it themselves, such as blocking the person, or reporting the issue.
“However, a large percentage of teens still ignore potentially harmful online experiences or believe nothing will change if they seek help.”
She said that this year her emphasis was going to be on ‘start the chat’ about online safety — “whether that’s with friends, in the workplace, or parents at home with their children”.
Minister for Communications, Paul Fletcher said the recent Safer Internet Day was an opportunity to ‘start the chat’ about online safety.
“The Government has committed to enhancing Australia’s online safety framework through the proposed Online Safety Bill, which will further protect Australians against harmful online abuse,” Mr Fletcher said.
The Commissioners 20-page report on the research can be accessed at this PS News link.
