The Australian Government Department of Communications commissioned the UNSW Social Policy Research Centre, the University of South Australia, the University of Western Sydney, the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, and the National Children’s and Youth Law Centre to research youth exposure to, and management of, cyberbullying incidents in Australia. 

The research aimed to provide the Australian Government with evidence about the desirability of whether to create a new, separate cyberbullying offence and in its consideration of a new civil enforcement regime.

Research Centre

Social Policy Research Centre

Research Area

Policy Design, Impact and Evaluation

The findings are presented in three parts. Please click on the links below for the separate sections or see the synthesis report (PDF) for the collated findings. 

Part A (PDF): The estimated prevalence of cyberbullying incidents involving Australian minors, based on a review of existing published research, including how such incidents are currently being dealt with.

Part B (PDF): The estimated prevalence of cyberbullying incidents involving Australian minors reported to police, community legal advice bodies and other related organisations, the nature of these incidents and how such incidents are currently being dealt with.

Part C* (PDF): An evidence-based assessment to determine, if a new simplified cyberbullying offence or a new civil enforcement regime were introduced, how that offence or regime could be implemented, in conjunction with the existing criminal offences, to have the greatest material deterrent effect.

*Please note this section is supported by four appendices.

Appendix A (PDF): Literature review – International responses to youth cyberbullying and current Australian legal context

Appendix B (PDF): Findings of research with adult stakeholders

Appendix C (PDF): Findings of research with youth 

Appendix D (PDF): Supplementary data and analysis

Australian Government Consultation on Bill - Enhancing Online Safety for Children (Bill, explanatory memorandum, submissions)

Australian Government Department of Communications

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