Online safety guide for women and young girls

Last published on 04 Apr 2020 

A new digital toolkit designed to educate and empower young women and girls to stay safe online is now live, Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor announced today.

The online safety guide links directly to reliable information from the eSafety Commissioner and features advice about protecting personal data, dealing with unwanted approaches, online shopping, sharing images, bullying and harassment.

With thousands of NSW students spending more time at home and education switching online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is increasingly important for people to know how to avoid being exploited over the internet.

“We are living more and more of our lives online, so it is essential that young women and girls know how to stay safe and who they can turn to for help,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This educational toolkit will give every young woman and girl the confidence to be themselves and thrive online while avoiding potential pitfalls.”

Acting Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP) Zoë Robinson added,

“We are proud to support the digital toolkit to empower young women with tools and reliable information to help them have positive online experiences.”

The ACYP’s poll of people aged 12-24 found one in four had a negative experience online every week but many did not seek help. It identified the top five online safety concerns of young women and girls as:

- Spending money online

- Personal data and online safety

- Bullying and harassment

- Unwanted approaches on social media

- Others using personal photos inappropriately

The online safety toolkit is part of the NSW Women’s Strategy 2018-2022, which provides a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to improving the economic, social and physical wellbeing of women and girls across NSW.

For more information, visit eSafety Women. 

Download Media Release: Online safety guide for women and young girls (PDF , 172.6 KB)