Cyber safety for families - Tasmania Legal Aid

using technology and being online can be fun it can help a young person learn about things connect with people who share their interests and make new friends there are many ways that parents and carers can help children to do this in a safe and legal way a child aged 14 is considered old enough to understand their actions and can be charged with committing an offense if a child is between the ages of 10 and 14 police need to prove that the child knew what they were doing a cyber crime is a criminal offense that is committed using technology without meaning to break the law a child can commit a cyber crime like stalking defamation sexual harassment or sexting or by bullying someone using email or social media or online forums there can be serious legal consequences for children and young people who commit these types of offenses read below for examples of behavior and actions that are against the law it's a good idea to discuss Online safety with children in your care you can talk about how they can look after themselves by not sharing personal information online and by understanding privacy settings on the apps they use you can also talk about legal consequences and the harm to others they could cause through their online Behavior you can get free information about laws that aim to keep everyone safe online by calling Tasmania legal aid Monday to Friday on 1300 366 611