Content note: The following article contains sensitive content, including themes of sexual harm. This may be distressing for some people. Visit Safer Community or Wellbeing Services to seek support as needed.
In an emergency call Triple Zero: 000 (0 000 on University phones) and if on campus also call Campus Security on 03 9479 2222 (x2222 from University phones).
From social media and streaming to group conversations and studying, being online is a part of everyday student life. While digital spaces can be great for fostering connections, technology can also be misused in ways that are harmful.
Safer Internet Day (Tuesday 10 February 2026) is a chance to pause and reflect, to think about how we use online spaces, to educate ourselves about internet safety and to promote safe and respectful online experiences for everyone.
What is tech-facilitated abuse?
Tech-facilitated abuse is when technology is used to harass, threaten, stalk, pressure or embarrass someone. This can include repeated unwanted messages, being monitored online, pressure to share images, or the misuse or threat of sharing private content.
Even when it happens online, this kind of behaviour can have a serious and significant impact on wellbeing.
Did you know that there are Online Safety Laws in Australia?
The Online Safety Act (2021) gives the eSafety Commission the authority to protect Australians from online harms, hold service providers accountable for user safety and promote more positive digital spaces. eSafety encourages everyone to take simple but impactful actions to make the internet a safer, more positive place. They have produced a toolkit for tertiary students to use and you can access the toolkit here.
Staying safe online – The eSafety Commissioner
Part of the E-safety Comissioner’s role is to promote safe and positive online experiences. Make sure you think before you engage, set boundaries on tagging, check your privacy settings.
- Take a look at e-safety’s detailed advice for staying safe online.
- For navigating particular social platforms safely, check out the e-safety guide for further advice and information.
Our five quick tips for a safer internet:
- Always question what you’re reading or watching
Is it reliable? What is its intent? How am I feeling? Should I seek help?
- Protect your data
Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and check your privacy settings.
- Report harmful content
If something doesn’t feel right, block it or report it. Learn what you can report to eSafety.
- Be Safe. Be Respectful
Treat others online the way you would like to be treated. Be kind, respectful and safe. Do you know someone being bullied online? There are heaps of ways you can act.
- Read the eSafety Guide to find out more.
Stay informed, look out for one another and help create a safer digital community.
La Trobe resources and supports
If something online doesn’t feel right, it’s important to know that it’s not your fault. La Trobe strongly condemns harmful behaviour. Know that support is available if you need it.
- Safe and Respected at La Trobe is a university-wide campaign that raises awareness about sexual harm and accessible support options. The campaign includes content on online sexual harm. You can find out more about the campaign here and see it on campus and online in March and July this year.
- La Trobe’s Safer Community Service is a free and confidential support service for all La Trobe students and staff. If you witness or experience inappropriate, threatening or concerning behaviour, please visit the Safer Community website. You can fill out the Report a concern form to contact Safer Community anonymously.
- Connect with La Trobe’s Wellbeing Services, including Student Wellbeing Connect.
- Out-of-hours mental health and wellbeing support can be accessed anytime 24 hours a day by calling 1300 146 307 or texting 0488 884 100.
- FERG Campaign at La Trobe University
The FERG campaign at La Trobe University supports freedom of expression while promoting respectful and responsible behaviour online.
La Trobe University strongly condemns online behaviour that is not respectful. Online behaviour must never involve harm, abuse, intimidation or misuse of information, such as unauthorised access to student data or academic materials.
To understand your rights and what you can do if you’re facing online harm or abuse, learn more about the campaign here.
External support
- 1800 RESPECT: National sexual assault, domestic, family violence counselling service. Tel: 1800 737 732
- ESafety Commissioner: A national service to report and respond to online abuse or illegal and restricted content.
- CASACV: Counselling, advocacy and support for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, (past or recent). Located in Bendigo, a counsellor also visits Bendigo campus fortnightly for student appointments and can be accessed via Wellbeing Services or CASACV.
- NCASA: 03 9496 2369, Counselling, advocacy and support for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, (past or recent). Located in Heidelberg, a counsellor also visits the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus weekly for student appointments and can be accessed through Wellbeing Services or NCASA.
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line: Provide crisis response, support and advocacy for people who have experienced Sexual violence. After Hours Tel: 1800 806 292.
- Djirra: Djirra is a place where culture is shared and celebrated, and where practical support is available to Aboriginal people who are currently experiencing family violence or have in the past. Tel: 1800 105 3030
- 13Yarn: Thirteen YARN is the first national crisis line for mob needing support, offering 24/7 confidential yarning with Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters. It provides a culturally safe, non-judgemental space to talk about worries, needs, or concerns. Tel: 13 92 76
- Daisy app: Connecting women who are experiencing or have experienced sexual assault, and domestic and family violence to services in their state and the local area.
- QLife: Counselling for LGBTIQ people, by LGBTIQ people. Tel: 1800 184 527
- Men’s Line: Free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationships, stress, and wellbeing. Tel: 1300 78 99 78