Online abuse is not OK, but here’s what you can do about it
We’ve all been spending a lot of time online during the pandemic, including for learning and study, and it should be a safe, productive and enjoyable space for everyone.
But are you among the one in three Australians who’s been trolled online? Unfortunately – and just like in the physical world – people sometimes cross the line and become abusive, bullying or aggressive. Cyberbullying is a particular problem for young women and minority groups, who are often the targets of sexist, harassing or disrespectful comments.
Research shows that trolling can cause significant harm and distress. It’s associated with serious physical and psychological effects, including disrupted sleep, lowered self-esteem, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation and, in some cases, even suicide.
I think it’s awful – but I feel helpless
If you’ve ever been upset or offended by a comment on an online space, you may have felt powerless to do anything. The kinds of people who make abusive comments hide behind their keyboards and anonymous avatars, and it’s easy to think that there’s no way to call it out.
One powerful thing you can do is to become an active online bystander – someone who says or does something when they see harassment and discrimination. At Deakin we offer free bystander training where you’ll learn how to deal with difficult situations – like a joke that makes you feel uncomfortable or constitutes sexual harassment – in a practical and positive way. If you’d like to find out about upcoming training, just email [email protected].
Also check out:
- GenVic’s social media toolkit and video to help people become active bystanders on social media
- the Office of the eSafety Commissioner’s guide to the latest games, apps and social media, which includes ways to protect your information and report inappropriate content for each platform.
I’ve seen abuse in a Deakin online space
All Deakin students are expected to:
- act in the best interests of the University – whether you’re on campus or elsewhere
- act in accordance with Deakin values, the Student Code of Conduct and University rules
- refrain from any behaviours defined as misconduct.
If you’ve witnessed or experienced any offensive, discriminatory, harassing, bullying or other inappropriate behaviours from other Deakin students while you’ve been studying or socialising online, we can support you. Please contact:
- Safer Community – Deakin’s central point of contact for reports of sexual harm, family violence and concerning behaviour. All assistance is confidential.
- Student Conduct Team – investigates allegations of poor student behaviour, conduct issues and policy breaches. You can report any concerns through an online form. Student Conduct will respect your privacy, and you can also report anonymously or on behalf of someone else.
I don’t feel safe getting involved
While standing up to online abuse is just so important, your safety should always be the priority.
Don’t feel under pressure to get involved in a situation if you think it could be unsafe or risky. GenVic advises you to do what you can – things like taking screenshots, reporting posts to social media platform administrators and reporting harassment to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
If you’re concerned, support is also available from:
- Deakin Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS)
- your local police station
- 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- Lifeline (13 11 14).