Here’s ThinkUKnow's TOP TIPS for young people:
1. Search for yourself online to find out what your ‘digital shadow’ looks like.
2. If an image of yourself appears on a website or app, and you have not consented to the use of this image, you contact the administrator to seek its removal.
3. Contact the person who has shared the photo or video and ask them to remove it and delete all copies.
4. Keep evidence by taking screenshots and noting the web addresses of the content. You can also use another device to take photos of the content.
5. Google can stop specific pages containing inappropriate images appearing in image search results. This will only help with Google searches. The videos and photos will still be searchable using other search engines such as Yahoo.
6. Make sure webcams are covered when not in use.
7. If you need support, talk to someone you trust or, seek help. Kids Helpline is a great resource.
8. Remember, under Commonwealth law, a sexually explicit image of someone under the age of 18 may constitute child pornography. Young people need to be aware that they may be committing a crime when taking, receiving or forwarding sexual images of themselves or friends who are minors. This applies even if all participants are willing.
Offensive and illegal content can also be reported to the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner, who can investigate and take action on content that is likely to be prohibited under law.