At AARNet we’re committed to supporting a safer online environment for everyone — individuals, families, and communities alike. We believe that digital spaces should be respectful, secure, and suitable for all users, including children and young people.

Using the internet responsibly

We encourage all users to act responsibly and in accordance with Australian laws when engaging online. End users must not produce or share content that is prohibited under Australian State, Territory, or Commonwealth law, including under the Online Safety Act 2021, which aims to protect Australians from serious online harm.

This includes material classified as Class 1A and Class 1B:

• Class 1A: Content involving child sexual exploitation, promotion of terrorism, or extreme acts of violence.
• Class 1B: Content depicting serious crime, drug misuse, or other forms of high-impact violence that may still cause harm, even if not illegal.

For more detail on these classifications, visit the eSafety Commissioner’s guidance.

Helping you limit exposure to harmful content

If you’re looking to manage or reduce access to harmful material, particularly for children, there are tools available to help. One effective option is using a family-friendly internet filter, which can block access to inappropriate or high-risk content before it appears.

To learn more about available tools, visit the Family Friendly Filter page provided by Communications Alliance.

How to report harmful or illegal content

If you come across online content that seems unsafe, illegal or concerning, particularly anything that falls under Class 1A or 1B, you can report it directly to the eSafety Commissioner, who is responsible for investigating and acting on serious online harm.

The easiest way to report is through their secure online portal:

• Submit a report online: esafety.gov.au/report

If you’re unable to access the online reporting tool, you can also contact eSafety for support by email or phone:

• enquiries@esafety.gov.au
• 1800 880 176 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm AEST)

Some reports can be made anonymously, particularly those relating to illegal or restricted content such as child sexual abuse material, terrorism, or extreme violence. Please note: reports involving cyber bullying or adult cyber abuse generally require contact details to proceed.

For more information about the types of content that can be reported and how the process works, visit the eSafety website.

Support for parents and carers

Helping children navigate the internet safely is a shared effort. If you’re a parent, carer, or educator, there are reliable tools and resources available to help you supervise and support young people online.

The eSafety Commissioner’s site offers:

• Advice on setting parental controls and safe browsing;
• Tips for having conversations about online safety; and
• Guidance for responding to online harm if it occurs.

Practical tips for staying safe online

Online safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical ways to build safer online habits for yourself, your family, and your community:

• Use shared spaces for devices: Encourage internet use in living areas to support supervision and safer habits.
• Avoid personal information in usernames: Keep account names private and anonymous — avoid using real names, age, or location.
• Know what’s being used: Take time to understand the apps, games and websites your family is using, especially if they involve messaging or sharing content.
• Talk regularly about online life: Encourage open conversations so young people feel safe asking questions or raising concerns.
• Watch for behavioural changes: Sudden withdrawal, secrecy, or changes in mood may signal something troubling online.
• Update and secure devices: Make sure software is up to date, and use strong passwords to reduce risk.
• Be cautious with unknown links or downloads: If it feels suspicious, don’t click. Scams and malware are common entry points for harm.

You can find more detailed safety resources at the eSafety website.