With technology being more involved in our lives, there has never been a time before where communication with others has been as easy and as fast. The widespread accessibility of the internet has offered new opportunities to gain new information and meet new people but there are still risks involved.
Online dating
When it comes to relationships, it’s a brave new world thanks to the internet. The popularity of online dating over the past decade has allowed people to meet potential partners, and many of those encounters occur without issue. Adults of all ages use apps such as Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, OurTime, eHarmony and many more. Whatever the reason for using these apps, check out these links for important tips on helping you achieve your goals and lower your risk of violence, scams or other negative experiences with these platforms, online and offline.
Resources
Australian Government eSafety Commissioner: Dating apps and websites
Sexting
You can go to prison for sending or receiving a nude picture of an underage person, even if the person has given you permission. Once an image is captured and uploaded online, it is impossible to take it away.
In Australia, image-based abuse is the sharing of (or threat to share) intimate images without the consent of the person in that image. Many states in Australia have legislation that makes the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image an offence.
If you choose to sext, here are some tips to keep you, and others, safe while sharing some of your most intimate images:
- Protect your identity by making sure you can’t be identified in the image (e.g. your face, birthmark, tattoo or jewellery).
- Consider the person you’re sexting as you should only sext if you consent.
- Be careful of when and where you send your sexts depending (e.g. type of social media platform, accidental syncing).
- Never share someone’s sext.
Check out the resources below for safety tips about engaging in sexting and what to do if your sext has been shared.
Resources
Technology Safety Australia – Image abuse
Australia eSafety Commissioner – Online abuse targeting women
1800RESPECT – Image-based abuse
