STAYING SAFE ONLINE & IN E-SPORTS
STAYING SAFE ONLINE & IN E-SPORTS
ONLINE SAFETY TIPS
When using the internet, children may be exposed to various online risks, such as having personal data misused or shared without their consent, having profiles accessed by strangers, being exposed to online bullying and harmful one-on-one interactions between adults and minors, including grooming and abuse.
Knowing where to report online abuse and harmful content online, following expert tips and guidance, and protecting personal information is crucial. By following these online safety tips, children and young people, with the help of their parents and carers, can navigate the online world safely and confidently, enjoying the online world while minimizing potential risks.
The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) helps Australians have safer, positive online experiences. Find out more by visiting the eSafety’s website.
Netsafe help people in Aotearoa New Zealand by providing practical tools, support and advice for managing online challenges. Find out more at Netsafe’s website.
Reporting Online Abuse and Harmful Content Online
In Australia – You can report cyberbullying, adult cyber abuse, image-based abuse (sharing, or threatening to share, intimate images without the consent of the person shown) or illegal and restricted content including child sexual exploitation material to the eSafety Commissioner. Online child sexual exploitation can be reported to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
In Aotearoa New Zealand – Illegal and harmful online content, including online child sexual abuse, can be reported to Netsafe 7 days a week.
Advice for Children & Young People
The eSafety’s website has lots of helpful advice to help you stay safe online, including information about unsafe or unwanted contact online, grooming, disturbing content or cyberbullying.
The eSafety Commissioner also has a range of resources available to help First Nations people stay safe online and get support if needed.
Information for Parents & Carers
eSafety provides advice and guidance for parents and carers to help their children stay safe online. This includes helping parents and carers understand online safety challenges and offering a range of resources to help your child have positive online experiences.
To keep up-to-date with the latest apps, games and social media young people are using, visit the eSafety Guide which includes important advice about safety features, how to report online abuse and protect personal information.
Resources for diverse communities
eSafety also has resources, advice and support available to help protect diverse individuals and communities most at-risk online, including First Nations people, people living with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and those from the LGBTIQ+ community.
Netsafe have created a Guide to Staying Safe Online available in a variety of languages including English, Te Reo Māori, Simplified Chinese, Tongan and Samoan for whānau and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand to learn more about online safety.
Advice for Children & Young People
The eSafety’s website has lots of helpful advice to help you stay safe online, including information about unsafe or unwanted contact online, grooming, disturbing content or cyberbullying.
The eSafety Commissioner also has a range of resources available to help First Nations people stay safe online and get support if needed.
Information for Parents & Carers
eSafety provides advice and guidance for parents and carers to help their children stay safe online. This includes helping parents and carers understand online safety challenges and offering a range of resources to help your child have positive online experiences.
To keep up-to-date with the latest apps, games and social media young people are using, visit the eSafety Guide which includes important advice about safety features, how to report online abuse and protect personal information.
Resources for diverse communities
eSafety also has resources, advice and support available to help protect diverse individuals and communities most at-risk online, including First Nations people, people living with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and those from the LGBTIQ+ community.
Netsafe have created a Guide to Staying Safe Online available in a variety of languages including English, Te Reo Māori, Simplified Chinese, Tongan and Samoan for whānau and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand to learn more about online safety.
Online Gaming & E-Sports
Online Gaming
Online gaming is enjoyed by many young people, but there are some risks worth thinking about. Netsafe have put together some tips about what to look out for and ideas for staying safe while you play:
- Use the safety tools: Sometimes other gamers can say mean things or try to bully or upset you. Make sure you know how to block and report anything that makes you feel uncomfortable and if you need help make sure you speak to someone about it.
- Get support: Some of the people you might be playing with could be older than you. Remember to be aware and tell your parents or a teacher if you feel upset or uncomfortable about what someone is saying to you.
- Keep your details private: If anyone asks you to share your password or any personal information with them, don’t send it.
- Disconnect: Some games have content that might upset you or you may see something that makes you feel upset. If this happens, turn off the game and speak to an adult you trust.
- Find a balance: Some people find it hard to stop playing, but it’s important you also spend time with friends and family and do other things you enjoy.
The eSafety Commissioner also has guidance on staying safe when playing games online available on their website.
Online Gaming & E-Sports
Online Gaming
Online gaming is enjoyed by many young people, but there are some risks worth thinking about. Netsafe have put together some tips about what to look out for and ideas for staying safe while you play:
- Use the safety tools: Sometimes other gamers can say mean things or try to bully or upset you. Make sure you know how to block and report anything that makes you feel uncomfortable and if you need help make sure you speak to someone about it.
- Get support: Some of the people you might be playing with could be older than you. Remember to be aware and tell your parents or a teacher if you feel upset or uncomfortable about what someone is saying to you.
- Keep your details private: If anyone asks you to share your password or any personal information with them, don’t send it.
- Disconnect: Some games have content that might upset you or you may see something that makes you feel upset. If this happens, turn off the game and speak to an adult you trust.
- Find a balance: Some people find it hard to stop playing, but it’s important you also spend time with friends and family and do other things you enjoy.
The eSafety Commissioner also has guidance on staying safe when playing games online available on their website.
E-Sports
eSports (or electronic sports) are best understood as competitive-level online video gaming. eSports players compete against each other for prizes, money, and prestige. As with all online activities, there are risks of exposure to harmful behaviour or content when playing or watching eSports, and some steps to be taken to make children and young people stay safe.
