Meet the eSafety Commissioner

We look at some of the ways Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, helps your kids keep their time online safe and fun.

There isn’t much out there that fits together better than teens and social media.

Right at an age when they’re starting to explore their first phone and the world outside their home and school, apps like Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook offer a window to a wider community beyond the comfortable walls they’ve grown up behind.

But, the new, online world and its lack of boundaries can be scary for a young person and can sometimes even present an opportunity for those with poor intentions.

Luckily, there’s a courageous Government Office standing between your kids and the potential online bullies - namely, The Australian Government's Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

Get McAfee online security included as part of your Family Plan >

Meet Julie Inman Grant - Australia’s eSafety Commissioner. In the relatively new position (a world’s first), Julie and her crack team of cyber-safety experts (who we can only assume resemble Elliot Ness and The Untouchables) fight day and night to protect the innocent users of social and online media from the nefarious actions of internet trolls and online bullies.

With extensive experience in the not-for-profit and government sectors, Julie has spent 20 years working in senior public policy and safety roles in world-leading companies like Twitter, Adobe, and Microsoft, and has even worked with the US Congress.

Their mission is clear - “Safeguard Australians at risk from online harms and to promote safer, more positive online experiences.”. And because theirs is the only government agency solely committed to this work, they’re more important than ever.

The team is focused on six areas of cyber safety, leading and coordinating the online safety efforts of industry, governments and the Australian not-for-profit community.

According to www.esafety.gov.au, their six areas of focus are:

The office administers a system for handling serious cases of cyberbullying, threats or harassment They also provide resources to help kids report problems and take steps to remove abusive material from social media sites.

Intimate images or video - shared without permission - can be reported by people of all ages. The office can help remove the material and take action against the person who shared it.

Possibly the most important of the office’s roles, investigating reports of illegal material of this nature is the Commissioner's highest priority. They work with global law enforcement to take down the content wherever it’s hosted.

The Office publishes extensive material and resources to help people have fun and stay safe online. There’s advice for kids, carers, women, seniors and parents. 

Tips, tricks and more for classrooms, schools and teachers. Plus, there are programs for frontline services and community groups looking to up their online fun and safety game and raise awareness.

The team works to identify risks and then focus programs and resources specifically tailored to those who’re most vulnerable. There are resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and material in languages other than English.

And the best part? The powers of The Office of the eSafety Commissioner are growing all the time, with new research and analysis of the latest trends and online behaviours leading to deeper understandings and better resources.

Who knows – they might just save the life of someone you care about, and we think that’s pretty special.

Explore our Family Hub for more great advice and information. Or, if you’re looking for a way to keep connected and bring your family together, explore our Family Plans for generous data and amazing value.