Stop Cyberbullying Day: Real Stories and what you can do

According to Cybersmile, 60% of internet users have experienced bullying, harassment or abuse online.  This article explores the evolving nature of cyberbullying, what the data says, how it impacts diverse professionals, and how ACS members are taking action to build a safer internet.  

The reality of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is increasingly taking place in our workplaces, professional networks, and digital collaboration tools—creating unsafe environments that push people out of tech.

It can take many forms, including:

  • harassment and impersonation 

  • doxing and stalking

  • coordinated abuse and reputational attacks

The ACS Promise of Diversity report makes it clear: online abuse is more than a personal issue—it’s a systemic barrier. It discourages women from taking on leadership roles, drives culturally diverse professionals out of the industry, and undermines efforts to build inclusive and innovative teams.

The ACS Implementing D&I Reference Guide highlights how this behaviour often begins subtly, through digital microaggressions or exclusionary interactions, and escalates in workplaces where boundaries are poorly defined or unspoken. 

 

Safety needs to be proactive, not reactive

Susan McLean, a cyber safety expert who has spoken at ACS Industry Insights, has warned has warned that legal systems haven’t caught up. Many harmful behaviours aren’t clearly covered by law, and cyberbullying is rarely recognised in formal processes.

Her message? Safety needs to be proactive, not reactive

 That means: 

  • early education in both schools and the workplace

  • clear boundaries for online behaviour

  • digital empathy, not scare tactics

     

 Inclusion means safety

If people don’t feel safe participating in online spaces, they’re not truly included. The ACS D&I framework reminds us that inclusion isn’t just about representation—it’s about experience.

As outlined in The Promise of Diversity and Implementing D&I, exclusion in digital spaces undermines diversity everywhere—especially for women and culturally diverse staff who are more likely to be targeted online.

Creating a diverse workforce must go hand in hand with creating a safe one. That includes: 

  • enforcing online codes of conduct
  • creating safe reporting channels
  • addressing microaggressions and online abuse directly

 

Small actions, big impact: stories of cyber kindness

To celebrate how our community is helping build a kinder, more inclusive internet, we asked members to share their stories of cyber-kindness.

“I believe that creating a safer, more respectful internet starts with how we design the systems that power it and how we show up for others within it.

As founder and data engineer at Typpio, we’re building AI-powered typing biometrics that redefine how we protect identity online…quietly, ethically, and without friction. But beyond the technology, what truly drives me is the vision of a digital world where people feel safe to be themselves without fear of abuse, judgement, or exclusion.

Cyberbullying doesn’t always look like name-calling or public shaming, it can also take the form of manipulation, deception, and betrayal. I learned that the hard way. Some time ago, I became the target of an online scam that didn’t just compromise my financial stability, it shook my confidence, made me question my judgment. What followed wasn’t just the scam, it was the mockery, the “should’ve known better” comments, the silence when I tried to speak up. That’s a quieter kind of cyberbullying, but it cuts just as deep. Victims are often blamed, ridiculed, or dismissed- when what they need most is understanding and support.

That experience is why I now work on tech like Typpio.. Whether it’s mentoring young innovators or moderating safe discussions, I try to be part of the change we all want to see: an internet that’s not just smart, but human!” Oveena Widyaratne, Founder and Data Engineer at Typpio.

“As a cybersecurity graduate, I actively spread awareness about general cybersecurity practices for all audiences. Recently, I published an article on my blog on what you need to consider when sharing your degree... highlighting what sensitive information might be exposed... I’ve also written a few articles on topics like why you should use a password manager... All these efforts are part of my mission to raise cybersecurity awareness within the general community and contribute towards making the internet a safer place for everyone.”- Chathuranga Jayasekara

ACS supports several school-based initiatives to help guide students at this crucial developmental time into successful careers. One in particular that supports resilience and counters cyberbullying in Queensland is the QUT-led EsportsAble program . This program is working to build communities for gamers especially in regional areas, to counter the negativity that can often be found in online and esports worlds. The EsportsAble project addresses challenges such as cyberbullying and excessive gaming by implementing safety protocols, conducting awareness training, and fostering positive interactions through mentorship and guided community involvement. It also supports parents and guardians in setting healthy routines, time limits, and encouraging open communication about online safety. By promoting esports in a way that prioritises mental wellbeing and inclusion, the EsportsAble Academy empowers children to thrive while gaining valuable life skills. ASC ICT GISP is inviting all our 53 schools state wide to involve their students in EsportsAble and the supportive community and resources it represents with the hope its impact can continue to grow. Find out more.  - Jonathan Nadler ICT GISP Project Manager, ACS

What tech professionals can do

You can play a critical role in making the internet safer. Here’s how you can help:

  • Be vocal about standards: Speak up against online abuse in your teams and communities.

  • Mentor and model: Support younger or marginalised colleagues by modelling respectful online behaviour.

  • Advocate for education: Encourage digital literacy at all levels, from school partnerships to onboarding processes.

  • Check your digital conduct: How we communicate on Slack, LinkedIn, or GitHub matters. Lead with empathy, clarity, and respect.

 

Take action today

This Stop Cyberbullying Day, reflect on how your work can help create a more respectful, inclusive internet.

  • Share this article and start a conversation in your workplace

  • If you or someone you know is experiencing online abuse, visit bullyzero.org.au/help for support and resources