With an increase in cyberbullying, Kids Helpline is calling for cybersaftey early education to be put at the top of the national agenda.
Of the calls made to Kids Helpline last year there were 3000 made in relation to cybersafety.
Nearly a third of these callers said they were being cyberbullied and 14 per cent said they were experiencing suicidal thoughts.
They're calling on the government to increase education for cybersafety, particularly in early education.
“Young people being cyberbullied can experience anxiety and depression, and tell us they feel ashamed, isolated, powerless, scared and humiliated with devastating consequences,” Kids Helpline CEO Tracey Adams said.
Research shows only 40 per cent of children between 5 and 9 will tell their parents they are being cyberbullied, and this number drops to only 25 per cent for kids aged 15 or older.
“While these statistics are alarming and such experiences clearly unacceptable for children, we are thankful that children and young people are reaching out to Kids Helpline for help. Teaching and encouraging help seeking is exceptionally important," said Ms Adams.
Kids Helpline have launched a program where counsellors can link up with classrooms via phone or video chat to discuss digital media literacy, respectful relationships online, online safety and cyberbullying.
Since the launch of the program in 2013 close to 300 schools have taken part in with more than 27,000 students taking part in one of these sessions.
But they're saying more needs to be done to reach more students.
Parents are also encouraged to talk to their children about being safe and responsible online and can find useful information on the Department of Education website: http://det.wa.edu.au/studentsupport/behaviourandwellbeing/detcms/navigation/safe-and-supportive-schools/cyber-safety-websites/
If you or anyone you know needs help you can contact Kids Helpline, it's a free call from landlines and mobiles and they're available 24 hours on 1800 55 1800
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