Here is some information to help you understand how to protect yourself, your family and others from harmful online content and keep your devices secure when you’re online.

The Online Safety Act 2021 aims to keep Australians safer online, by making online service providers more accountable for the online safety of people who use their service.

The eSafety Commissioner is Australia's independent regulator for online safety. Their mission is to empower Australians to have safer and more positive online experiences. They're responsible for identifying and removing illegal online content, tackling online abuse, and providing a complaints service for online safety concerns.

How to help protect children when they’re online

When using the internet, children can access undesirable or harmful content just as easily as useful content.

Developing good online safety habits and adult supervision can help to minimise children’s exposure to harmful online content. 

For tips on good online safety habits check out the eSafety Commissioner’s Online safety basics.

Control access to online content with Family Friendly Filters

Filters are computer programs that allow the user to control or restrict access to online content. 

Communications Alliance (Australia’s peak telecommunications industry association) has created a Family Friendly Filter program list to help you choose a filter for your family.

To qualify for inclusion in the Family Friendly Filter list, these filters are subjected to rigorous independent testing to ensure they meet specific criteria. 

View the Family Friendly Filter list and learn more

How to help keep your smartphones and tablets safe

Smartphones and tablets allow calls, messaging and 24-hour internet access from just about anywhere.

Find advice that can help you and your family stay safe and secure online:

· Tips to help use your phone or tablets safely

· How to use parental controls

Helpful information

· Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides a range of information, tools and educational material.

· Stay Smart Online is an Australian Government initiative designed to provide all Australian online users with practical tips and advice on e-security. This website contains basic information on how to secure your computer, best practice tips for smart transacting online and information on keeping young people safe online.

· Australian Cyber Security Centre provides information about protecting yourself and your family and securing your device.

What to do if you have a complaint

Australian internet users have a right to complain about harmful online content, illegal and restricted online content and unsolicited electronic messages promoting that kind of content.

If you have a complaint, you can contact the content provider, contact us, or contact the Office of the eSafety Commissioner and follow their complaints reporting process.

You can complain to both the content provider and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, even if you’ve complained to the content provider and the complaint remains unresolved.  

If you need to report any criminal activity, visit the Crime Stoppers website or call them on 1800 333 000. Reports can be anonymous.