'Digital detox' in fight against cyber bullying

Victorian teenagers are being urged to take part in a 'digital detox' this weekend in the fight against online bullying.

The campaign urges students to disconnect with social media by turning off phones and computers to coincide with today's National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

The 48-hour digital disappearance is part of a campaign to stamp out cyberbullying by the Bully Zero Australia Foundation, which provides care to bullying victims.

Those how have signed up to the campaign are confident they can complete the strike.

"It'll be challenging but I think I can do it," Melbourne school pupil, Thomas Chitsos, said.

Oscar Yildiz, boss of Bully Zero Australia, says he hopes the detox will promote change.

"Today really is about Australia taking a step back and detoxing," he said.

"Just to see what life's really like whether it's cooking for mum, whether it's going for a run, whether it's actually going outside and kicking the football.

"Clean the bloody garage.

"We want people to go back to some of those things that they miss out on and take for granted."

Money raised from the campaign will be spent on anti-bullying programs in schools.

The foundation says one in three Australians have been cyberbullied and 70 per cent are using social media to an extent "that they can't let go".

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten reckon, who was on hand to acknowledge a partnership between Essendon Football Club and Bully Zero Australia, said he would love to give the detox a try.

"I reckon I can go 24 hours," he told reporters in Melbourne.

Modern Australians did not need to have their phones by their bed every night, he said.

"Adults carry their smart phones around with them closer than they even carry their wallets these days.

"Australia will not have a bad day if Australians turn off their social media.

"A 48-hour digital detox will do more for the mental health of Australians than a lot of other options we've got in our busy crowded lives."

The detox began at 9am.