AMA submission on Enhancing Online Safety for Children Bill 2014 and Enhancing Online Safety for Children (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014

The AMA recognises that cyber-bullying among children and young people is a significant health and welfare issue.  Research about the impacts of cyber bullying is still in its infancy, but there is a strong suggestion that the long-term impacts of cyber-bullying are serious, including a potentially increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide. Detrimental health impacts have been observed in children who participate in bullying, as well as those who experience bullying.  The AMA's submission on the Enhancing Online Safety for Children Bill 2014 and the Enhancing Online Safety for Children (Consequential Amendments Bill) 2014 ( the Bills) recognises the importance of online safety for children and young people, including the need to protect children from cyber bullying as well as the need to work with large social networking sites to remove of harmful content.