Advertisement

Children's advocates push for AVOs against online bullies after teen deaths

Cyber-bullies could be banned from using social media, under a radical plan to stop online abuse.

Child safety advocates are pushing for a new court order similar to an apprehended violence order, to help bring an end to online bullying.

Under the proposed social media order, child cyber-bullies would be stopped from contacting their victims on online platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

The push follows the death of 14-year-old Amy "Dolly" Everett, who took her own life on January 3 after being targeted by online trolls.

An anti-bullying campaign has been started following the death of Amy 'Dolly' Everett'. Source: Facebook/AkubraHats
An anti-bullying campaign has been started following the death of Amy 'Dolly' Everett'. Source: Facebook/AkubraHats

Anti-bullying charities have utilised a powerful parliamentary inquiry to encourage criminalising the unnecessary and harmful use of technology.

The recommendation was supported by The Carly Ryan Foundation — a cyber-safety charity established following the murder of 15-year-old Carly Ryan, who was killed by a pedophile in 2007.

Carly’s mother, Sonya Ryan, who is also the foundation's chief executive, told the Daily Telegraph the federal government should investigate mimicking the “domestic violence processes” by creating­ an order banning bullies from contacting their victims online.

  • Heartbroken family of 'Dolly' Everett launch anti-bullying campaign

  • Mother's heartbreaking post after schoolgirl's alleged cyber-bullying suicide

  • Young daughter attempts suicide after relentless bullying over mum's cancer survival

In the submission, she also pushed for police to be given powers to ban the trolls from social media for nominated periods, and called for juvenile offenders to be tried in the juvenile justice system if they breached the bans.

The recommendation to urgently update the existing legislation has also been backed by online-safety campaigners, families who have lost children and lawyers.

"Something like this would put youth on notice and give them the opportunity to do the right thing," Ms Ryan said.

Libby is believed to have been bullied before taking her own life. Source: Facebook
Libby is believed to have been bullied before taking her own life. Source: Facebook

Thirteen-year-old Adelaide junior lifesaver Libby Bell was another cyber-bullying victim who took her own life after allegedly being taunted online.

The proposed legistation would help prevent other vulnerable young people like Dolly and Libby from feeling like they had "no escape", Ms Ryan said.

Ms Ryan has also called for prevention methods to be introduced, like compulsory youth education programs.

“The problem is so many resources are used to mediate young people without formal consequences.

“We want to reach young people before it gets to that point. We need to make sure they feel empowered and talk to them on their level,” Ms Ryan said.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, or Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36.