Technology
When 'Love' Becomes Control
Recent findings from an eSafety survey suggest controlling behaviours are becoming normalised in young people’s romantic relationships.
Investigating attitudes that normalise tech-based coercive control found nearly 1 in 5 young people think it’s okay to track their partner whenever they want and almost 1 in 3 young people believe constantly texting their partner to ask what they’re doing and who they’re with is a sign of care. If a young person you know is in a worrying relationship, and you’re unsure how to help, you can:
- Register for eSafety’s free parent and carer webinar:
- Recognising Online Control In Young People’s Lives: 6 August 2025 at 12.30pm
- Read our latest Online Safety Advisory:
- When Love Becomes Control
- Listen to the Daily Aus podcast unpacking the eSafety data:
- Is Tracking Your Partner Healthy?
- Share this information with the young person in your life:
- Being In A Respectful Relationship
Register for eSafety Webinars
The Changing Face of Cyberbullying: Protecting Your Child in 2025
In just 45 minutes, we’ll explore emerging online threats, including the use of AI, deep fakes, coded emojis and subtle manipulation tactics. You’ll walk away with practical tools to support your child’s wellbeing in a digital world.
Date: Tuesday 5 August
Time: 12:30pm to 1:15pm (AEST)
AI-Assisted Image-Based Abuse: Navigating The Deep Fake Threat
In just 45 minutes, we’ll explore how deep fakes, digitally-generated images and AI tools are being misused to harm young people. You’ll walk away with practical tools to support your child’s wellbeing in a digital world.
Date: Thursday 21 August
Time: 12:30pm to 1:15pm (AEST)
Understanding AI companions: What Parents and Carers Need to Know
In this 45-minute webinar, we’ll explore the basics of AI companions, their role in online interactions, and concerning behaviours to look out for. You’ll walk away with practical tools to support your child’s relationships in a digital world.
Dates:
Thursday 28 August 12:30pm to 1:15pm (AEST)
Thursday 11 September 1:00pm to 1:45pm (AEST)
Kind Regards,
Karen Gardiner
Year 6 Classroom Teacher