Date 19 August 2022
A FREE new guide is educating young people about the legal consequences of cyberbullying, sexting and image-based abuse.
Legal Aid Queensland’s Is it legal? What you need to know about using your phone and social media guide breaks down the meaning of cyberbullying, sexting and image-based abuse, what the law says and what can happen if the laws are broken.
Youth Legal Aid assistant director David Law said young people often don’t realise cyberbullying is a crime, or that they can be charged with an offence for possessing or forwarding naked photos of someone aged 18 or younger.
“By educating young people about what the law says, how to prevent personal photos getting into the wrong hands, and where to get help if they need it, we are supporting them to make informed choices about their online behaviour and safety,” Mr Law said.
“The guide answers questions about using social media, explains what’s wrong with activities such as trolling and sexting, and uses case studies to show the impact of breaking these laws.
“We hope this guide helps young people realise the law does apply to their online behaviour, how to recognise when things might be going too far online, and what their rights and responsibilities are if laws are broken,” he said.
The guide was developed with help from YFS, the Youth Advocacy Centre and the Pine Rivers Community Legal Centre, and replaces the popular Cyberbullying, Sexting and Facebook guide.
You can read, download or order a free copy of the guide from the Legal Aid Queensland website: www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
Legal Aid Queensland offers free legal help to people who have been charged with an offence relating to cyberbullying, sexting or image-based abuse. You can access our services by calling 1300 65 11 88.
Young people (under 18 or people with a Childrens Court matter) can call our Youth Legal Advice Hotline on 1800 LAQ LAQ (1800 527 527) to talk to a lawyer and get free and confidential legal advice.
Media contact
- Amanda Catania (07) 3917 0407
- Miranda Greer (07) 3917 0407
Last updated 22 August 2022