Online safety and mental healthTuesday was Safer Internet Day - a global campaign attempting to bring communities together to help create safer online spaces. This year’s campaign highlights the importance of connecting safely online, taking personal responsibility, and protecting ourselves and others by learning about and sharing eSafety tips and tools. The way we interact with the digital world has completely transformed over the past two decades. Most of us spend countless hours every day using the internet to access services, information, entertainment, and importantly social connection. It is now an unavoidable part of daily life. Imagine living through lockdowns without the internet. There is no denying the internet’s capacity to connect us but finding a balance that keeps us mentally well and safe from harm is tricky. The internet unfortunately and too often, provides bullies and trolls with a cloak of invisibility, which can have detrimental impacts on our mental health. This sadly sometimes has tragic consequences. Internet safety has been a consistent feature for some time, and it can be a difficult and complex issue to navigate. Last year, Mental Health Australia Chair Mr Matt Berriman, and then CEO, Dr Leanne Beagley, gave evidence to the House of Representatives Select Committee on Social Media and Online Safety. As the Committee noted in its tabled report, =One of the key challenges for all participants in this sector is recognising the importance of balancing the freedom of online participants to engage in democratic debate and express their views, and the need for protection for the most vulnerable users of online spaces. Reconciling the benefits and the dangers of the internet is no easy task. Globally, governments are drafting online safety legislations and calling for social media companies to be more transparent about how they protect us online. Things are changing but not quickly enough. It is not just children and vulnerable groups. According to research, 67% of adults had a negative experience in just the past year. The internet is a powerful tool, but not an inherently destructive one. The internet is used by billions to access services, programs, training, support, and relationships that would otherwise be out of reach. It is a vital channel through which people can seek help. Equally, we should never feel shame or embarrassment if something happens online and that there is always support if you need help. We need to act - individually and collectively - to be safe online. It is essential for our mental health and wellbeing. Harry Lovelock
Acting CEO | 
