Shocking new commission reports that cyberbullying is only getting worse

Warning: This article deals with the topic of suicide and may be triggering for some readers.

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has published a new report noting a sharp increase in cyberbullying reports in 2023 compared to 2022.

In 2023, eSafety received 2,383 reports of cyberbullying compared to 1,700 in 2022, a jump of around 40 per cent. On top of that, an astonishing two-thirds of reports (67 per cent) concerning children aged 12 to 15 years.

In the age of the internet, cyberbullying is often an extension of what happens on school grounds, meaning bullied children can struggle to escape the bullying whether they’re at home or school. This has devastating consequences, as Kate and Tick Everett learned when their 14-year-old daughter, Dolly, took her own life as a result of bullying.

However, Kate and Tick took their grief and channelled it into a legacy their daughter would be so proud of — ensuring that no other child, and no other family, has to endure what they endured.

This is how Dolly’s Dream was born. Dolly’s Dream is a charity dedicated to creating a world where bullying is no more. Whether we have kids or not, this is something I’m sure we can all agree on.

But how does Dolly’s Dream work? If the eSafety report is anything to go by, cyberbullying is only getting worse, which means more urgent work is necessary. Dolly’s Dream truly takes the bull by the horns, and endeavours to treat this issue as a whole. The resources Dolly’s Dream provide can truly be life-changing for those experiencing bullying, and those who are just desperate to figure out how best they can support their loved ones.

The Dolly’s Dream website alone is absolutely packed with resources. The charity has partnered with Kids Helpline to deliver a free, 24/7 counselling phone line — great for those who can’t afford or otherwise access the counselling they need. The website even has a hub of information dedicated to parents and carers, as well as their free Beacon Cyber Safety App, helping them understand everything from the psychology of why kids bully, how best to talk to their children about bullying, and even why some victims say nothing.

But, of course, the great work Dolly’s Dream does extends far beyond cyberspace. Dolly’s Dream is all about community, which is why they take workshops into schools and tailor them depending on the ages of the kids they’re speaking to. It’s a great learning opportunity for children of all ages, but also for parents, teachers and members of the wider community.

On top of that, the charity does great work in making mental health resources available to those who live in rural and regional communities. Kate and Tick themselves are self-proclaimed “ordinary bush folk”, but these communities don’t have the same access to mental health resources that major cities have. That’s why Dolly’s Dream helps to organise Mental Health First Aid training courses, arming those who participate with skills to help in a crisis.

Of course, all the good work Dolly’s Dream does is made possible thanks to the kindness of those who donate and fundraise for them. The charity’s biggest fundraising initiative? Do It For Dolly Day. Taking place on May 10, Do It For Dolly Day encourages everyone to wear blue — Dolly’s favourite colour — and get involved. There’s plenty of information on how to get involved online, but why not join in on this great cause and donate to more necessary work? You can even help organise fundraising initiatives in your community. As the stats show, it’s becoming more important than ever to put a stop to bullying in our schools and online.

You can head to Dolly's Dream to register, donate and find out more info on how to get involved

If this article brings up any issues for you or anyone you know, or you are experiencing suicidal ideation or are at risk, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), all of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.