Student Wellbeing

Digital Life – How to Stay Safe (and Sane) Online

Let’s be real — being online is part of everyday life. Whether you’re messaging mates, scrolling through TikTok, or playing games, it’s easy to spend hours online without even noticing. While the internet can be awesome for connecting, creating, and learning, it also comes with risks that can mess with your mental health, reputation, and relationships.

Here are three things every student should know about staying safe and smart online:

1. Cyberbullying: What It Is and What You Can Do

Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology to be hurtful — think nasty messages, leaving people out of group chats, spreading rumours, or posting embarrassing stuff without permission. It can feel even worse than face-to-face bullying because it follows you home and is hard to escape. If it happens to you (or a mate), here’s what to do:

Don’t reply. It can make things worse.
Screenshot or save the messages or posts (evidence matters).
Block or report the person through the app or platform.
Tell someone you trust — a parent, teacher, or someone from the school wellbeing team.

You’re not alone. There’s help out there, and speaking up is the first step.

2. Digital Footprints: What You Post Stays With You

Every time you post, comment, like, or share something, it leaves a mark — even if you delete it later. This is your digital footprint — and yes, people like future employers, coaches, and even universities sometimes check it. Before you hit “post,” ask yourself:

Would I be okay with a teacher, parent, or future boss seeing this?
Is this kind, respectful, and true?
Could this hurt someone else or make me look bad later?

Even private accounts aren’t always that private — screenshots and forwards happen. Think long-term, not just for the laughs right now.

3. Screen Time & Social Media: Keep It Real

Let’s face it, most people only share the best parts of their lives online — the perfect pics, fun outings, good vibes only. It’s easy to start comparing and feeling like your life isn’t measuring up. But remember: what you’re seeing is just a highlight reel, not the full story. To keep your head (and heart) in the right space:

Take regular breaks — especially before bed or when you feel overwhelmed.
Follow accounts that make you feel good about yourself.
Unfollow, mute, or block accounts that cause stress or self-doubt.
Do stuff offline that makes you happy — hang out with mates, play sport, listen to music, cook, read, whatever works for you.

It’s okay to unplug. You don’t have to be available 24/7, and real life is still where the most important stuff happens.

Final Thoughts

Being online should feel safe and fun — not stressful or scary. Look out for yourself and your friends, think before you post, and remember that you’ve got the power to shape your online world. If things ever feel out of control, talk to someone. Support is always just a conversation away.

Looking for Support?

EACH - Health Services 1300 003 224

These services are free or low-cost.

93 Boronia Rd, Boronia

Youth Mental Health Services 9298 8469

Individual counselling on a short-term basis for young people aged 10 to 25 years as well as parent and family support.

2 Capital City Blvd, Wantirna South

headspace 1800 650 890

2 Capital City Blvd, Wantirna South

Offering: General health services (youth-friendly, free Doctors), Counselling & Mental Health Support, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Vocational, Education & Training Support.

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 1800 015 188 (24 Hours)

Confidential information, counselling and support service. safesteps.org.au

1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24 Hours)

www.1800respect.org.au

Nurse on Call 1300 60 60 24

Puts you directly in touch with a registered nurse for caring, professional physical health advice around the clock.

The Butterfly Foundation 9822 5771

1430 Malvern Road, GLEN IRIS Victoria https://butterfly.org.au/ -

FriendLine 1800 424 287

Supports anyone who's feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them 7 days a week or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.

24/7 Mental Health Hotlines:

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Australia’s only free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25.

Lifeline - Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online. Provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au Provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal.

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue provides mental health support for young people. Call, chat online or email.