Cyber Abuse - a National Emergency
It doesn't take much research to find the horrifying statistics around the prevalence and impacts of cyber bullying and online abuse. Those impacts are not just from the cyber abuse faced by students and children, but also families, adults and businesses around Australia.
SBS News covered a study done by the Australia Institute:
- The survey, which asked 1557 Australian workers about online harassment and cyber hate, found more than one in three were targeted - the equivalent of 8.8 million people.
- The cost of online harassment and trolling was estimated at $3.7 billion in health costs and lost income.
- The study found a quarter of those who had experienced harassment had sought out a medical professional, while 25 per cent also said it had impacted their work.
Other studies have reported that:
- Students are twice as likely to attempt suicide if they have been cyber-bullied.
- Cyber-bullying upon adults and businesses has resulted in increased adult suicides.
- Families and friends are torn apart by the preventable loss of life that stems from cyber-bullying.
Cyber abuse doesn't discriminate. The effects are being felt across different age groups, demographics and sectors.
This is a national emergency and requires an immediate national response.
SBS News covered a study done by the Australia Institute:
- The survey, which asked 1557 Australian workers about online harassment and cyber hate, found more than one in three were targeted - the equivalent of 8.8 million people.
- The cost of online harassment and trolling was estimated at $3.7 billion in health costs and lost income.
- The study found a quarter of those who had experienced harassment had sought out a medical professional, while 25 per cent also said it had impacted their work.
Other studies have reported that:
- Students are twice as likely to attempt suicide if they have been cyber-bullied.
- Cyber-bullying upon adults and businesses has resulted in increased adult suicides.
- Families and friends are torn apart by the preventable loss of life that stems from cyber-bullying.
Cyber abuse doesn't discriminate. The effects are being felt across different age groups, demographics and sectors.
This is a national emergency and requires an immediate national response.
What we're asking for
A Royal Commission into cyber abuse and the role and conduct of big tech giants.
To investigate and require these companies to be treated like any ordinary Australian to:
- Have an Australian based office or contact that will proactively deal with cases of harassment and online abuse that ordinary Australian's can contact and have their concerns heard and addressed within reasonable time frames
- Have publicly available policies and processes that are followed for dealing with online harassment and abuse
- Work with police and co-operate with investigations
- Respect and comply with Australian Laws and Court Systems
- Be required to act as a model litigant when involved in court proceedings
To investigate and require these companies to be treated like any ordinary Australian to:
- Have an Australian based office or contact that will proactively deal with cases of harassment and online abuse that ordinary Australian's can contact and have their concerns heard and addressed within reasonable time frames
- Have publicly available policies and processes that are followed for dealing with online harassment and abuse
- Work with police and co-operate with investigations
- Respect and comply with Australian Laws and Court Systems
- Be required to act as a model litigant when involved in court proceedings
WHAT is a Royal COMMISSION and why do we need one?
A Royal Commission is an investigation, independent of government, into a matter of great importance. Royal Commissions have powers to hold public hearings, call witnesses under oath, and compel evidence. Royal commissions make recommendations to the government about what should change.
This issue has been ignored for too long and legislation MUST change NOW!
A Royal Commission is an investigation, independent of government, into a matter of great importance. Royal Commissions have powers to hold public hearings, call witnesses under oath, and compel evidence. Royal commissions make recommendations to the government about what should change.
This issue has been ignored for too long and legislation MUST change NOW!
What can you do to help?
Sign the PetitionAdd your name to the list of supporters and share the petition with anyone you know to ask for a Royal Commission into cyber bullying, online abuse and the conduct of big tech companies.
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Donate to the CampaignWe'll be advocating to all members of parliament and senators to support a royal commission - you can help by clicking the button to donate safely via GoFundMe
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Write to your Local MPLet your local MP's and Senators that they MUST support a Royal Commission. Click the button to find out who is your local federal lower house MP
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Stay up to date with the campaign |
If you need assistanceIf you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Other support lines include: Kids helpline - 1800 551 800 Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 |
