Senior Years and Wellbeing 

Cyberbullying

Young people are being bullied online right now. Understanding what to do about it can help stop the harm it causes.

 

This page is about online bullying affecting people under the age of 18. We also offer advice for adults experiencing online abuse.

What does cyberbullying look like?

Cyberbullying behaviour might include:

  • abusive texts and emails
  • hurtful messages, images or videos
  • imitating others online
  • excluding others online
  • humiliating others online
  • spreading nasty online gossip and chat
  • creating fake accounts to trick someone or humiliate them

How common is it?

In the 12 months to June 2017:

1 in 5 Australian young people reported being socially excluded, threatened or abused online

55% sought help from their parents, 28% from their friends; 38% blocked the offending social media account; 12% reported it to the website or platform

1 in 5 Australian young people (15% of kids, 24% of teens) admitted behaving in a negative way to a peer online — such as calling them names, deliberately excluding them, or spreading lies or rumours. Of these, more than 90% had had a negative online experience themselves.

What can I do?

Learn how to protect yourself and your family, and what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying.

Advice for young people is available on the e safety website

Advice for parents and carers

Signs to watch for

Children may not always tell adults about cyberbullying through fear they may overreact and make the situation worse. 

Watch for these signs:

  • being upset after using the internet or their mobile phone
  • changes in personality, becoming more withdrawn, anxious, sad or angry 
  • appearing more lonely or distressed 
  • unexpected changes in friendship groups 
  • a decline in their school work 
  • changes in their sleep patterns 
  • avoidance of school or clubs 
  • a decline in their physical health 
  • becoming secretive about their online activities and mobile phone use

How to report cyberbullying to eSafety

If you are under 18 (or are reporting on behalf of someone under 18) you can make a complaint about cyberbullying to eSafety. We can take action to get serious cyberbullying material removed, and provide advice, support and assistance.

Information from the e safety commissioner

Summer Uniform

Dear Parents,

We have been working hard in the first four weeks to ensure our uniform is being worn correctly. We are so fortunate at this College as most students wear their uniform with pride. Sadly, however, it only takes a handful of students to do the wrong thing that then reflects poorly on everyone. I have asked a number of girls this week to attend to the length of their school dress and to remove jewellery.  Could I ask all families to support the College in maintaining the high uniform standards we have come to expect from all students. Girls will be reminded of the following:

  • The summer dress should sit no higher than mid-knee with the school jumper on
  • One pair of plain studs or sleepers only in the ear lobe.
  • Make up or nail polish is not to be worn to school apart from colourless moisturiser or colourless sunscreen.
  • No jewellery is permitted.
  • Hair that is below shoulder length must be tied back.
  • School ribbons must be navy, white, maroon or gold.
  • Hats must be worn in Term One and Term Four.

Kristen Waldron

Head of Senior Years