Supporting safer online spaces: eSafety resources for early years educators and families

This article includes references to online abuse and image-based harm, which may be distressing for some readers.

 

As the digital environment continues to evolve, so too, the ways in which early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals support children and families in navigating online safety. The latest update from the eSafety Commissioner highlights the importance of tailored, evidence-informed resources to address emerging online harms, especially for the youngest Australians.

 

Educators and early years services play a critical role in equipping families with practical knowledge and fostering safe digital habits from the outset. eSafety’s research shows that some individuals and communities, including First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, LGBTIQ+ individuals and people with a disability are at greater risk of online abuse, making culturally safe, accessible resources essential.

 

In October, the eSafety Commissioner hosted a well-attended and successful Early Years Online Safety Information Session. 

 

Educators are encouraged to register now for the February 2026 session:

 

Early Years Online Safety – Information Session
Wednesday, 18 February 2026
1:00pm – 2:00pm (AEDT)

 

This free 60-minute session will explore the safe use of digital technologies and online environments. It is designed for professionals working in the Early Years sector, including centre managers, directors, and those in policy, training, oversight, or support roles.

 

The webinar will cover: 

 

• The importance of digital safety education in Early Years 
• The eSafety Commissioner’s role and reporting functions 
• eSafety’s Early Years resources for educators, families, and children aged 0–5

 

Reporting to eSafety

 

eSafety is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety, driven by a need to protect and empower Australians, to have safer, more positive experiences online. eSafety achieve this by: 

 

• Educating Australians through programs that highlight online risks and prevent harm;
• Protecting our most vulnerable, through regulation and investigations into online harms; and
• Advocating for systemic change, by rallying industry to improve the safety standards of their platforms.

 

The Online Safety Act 2021 governs the functions of eSafety in helping to remove serious online abuse, and illegal and restricted online content. These are their reporting schemes and are one of the most powerful tools they use to take action. 

 

Serious online abuse can include children’s cyberbullying, adult cyber abuse and image-based abuse. Online platforms have a responsibility to make sure people follow their terms of service, so often they can take action to stop abuse. But sometimes that’s not enough. In the most serious cases, when the service or platform does not help, eSafety can direct them to remove harmful content that has been sent to an Australian or posted or shared about them.

 

Illegal and restricted content includes content that shows or encourages the sexual abuse or exploitation of children, terrorist acts or other types of violent crimes or extreme violence.

 

eSafety can direct illegal online content to be removed and in certain circumstances, they can also direct platforms to either remove or ensure that access is restricted for children and young people under 18.

 

The eSafety website includes information on what can be reported, and how to report to eSafety. 

 

eSafety recognises the need to protect the voices of diverse individuals and communities most at-risk online, including First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, and LGBTIQ+ individuals. The resources are designed to reflect cultural safety and respond to intersectional risk factors. 

 

eSafety resources for early years settings

 

The eSafety Educators Hub provides a suite of tools and training to build confidence and capability in ECEC environments. Offerings include:

 

• Early Years professional learning (developed with Early Childhood Australia);
• Children under 5 resources include support and advise specifically for families; and
• Early Years and downloadable resources.

 

Educators can also access: 

 

• Community child safety specific resources including posters, flipbooks and guides
• The eSafety Guide covers apps, games and social platforms

 

Helping families stay informed

 

eSafety’s web pages for parents and carers includes resources for families with children under 5, webinars for parents and carers, and information on helping children who have experienced online abuse. 

 

For more information, go to esafety.gov.au 

 

• Lifeline – 13 11 44
• National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence and Counselling Services – 1800 737 732
• Bravehearts – 1800 272 831 
• Kids Helpline – 24/7 1800 55 1800 
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 
• Australian Childhood Foundation – 1300 381 581