Online abuse is on the rise amongst our youth – according to new Headspace figures.
A national survey found 1 in 5 young people have experienced someone threatening to hurt or embarrass them online and around 1 in 10 (12%) had something mean or hurtful posted about them online. 14% of participants had experienced catfishing, and 12% have had someone post a mean or hurtful video of them online.
The survey also found that young people experiencing high or very high psychological distress were more likely to have experienced some form of cyberbullying (47%) in the previous month, compared to those experiencing low or moderate psychological distress (21%)
Headspace Senior Clinical Advisor, Jessie Downey, says it’s important to break the stigma associated with online abuse.
Acting eSafety Commissioner, Kathryn King, previously warned local parents to stay informed, especially as school goes back.
For help visit Bendigo’s Headspace centre in the CBD or the Headspace website.
