As generative AI triggers a new wave of online harms and abuse, child protection charity Act for Kids is encouraging individuals to reflect on how actions online may affect others this Safer Internet Day. 

Safer Internet Day is a global campaign, led by the eSafety Commissioner in Australia, and focuses on the urgent need for a safer online world, especially for children and young people. 

Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines said the organisation was backing the global push to help protect children online, with 62 per cent of kids exposed to potentially harmful online content. 

“Statistics show 75 per cent of teenagers aged 16 to 18 had encountered online porn, with 13 being the average age of the first encounter,” said Dr Lines. 

“Worryingly, 68 per cent of First Nations children have been treated in a hurtful or nasty way online and 29 per cent of First Nations children have experienced online hate speech.” 

According to Dr Lines, the digital world touches every aspect of our lives, from schools to workplaces and homes, there orioritising online safety is not just a goal – it’s a necessity. 

“That’s why we also encourage everyone to get behind eSafety’s call to ‘Connect, Reflect and Protect’ whenever you’re online.” 

One way to practice online safety is by regularly reviewing your privacy and security settings; reflect on how your actions may affect your safety, or others. 

“Education and communication is key, given it is often hard for parents to keep track of their child’s online behaviour as they grow older.”

Related: Act for Kids Board welcomes Nigel Harris AM as new Chairman