Emergency Contacts & Australian Resources

If something has happened online and you need help right now, you’re in the right place. This page brings together the most trusted Australian helplines and reporting services — organised by situation — so you can find the right support quickly. Bookmark it, share it, and come back whenever you need it. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

🚨 If a Child Is in Immediate Danger

Call 000 now. If you believe a child is in immediate physical danger — including as a result of something that started online — call Triple Zero (000) straight away.

  • Emergency services: 000
  • Police Assistance Line (non-emergency, NSW): 131 444 — for other states, search “[your state] police non-emergency”

Once the immediate situation is safe, come back to the sections below for follow-up support and reporting.

Online Safety & Cyberbullying

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is the world’s first government agency dedicated to online safety. They can investigate complaints, issue removal notices, and help with a wide range of online harms.

eSafety Commissioner

  • Website: esafety.gov.au
  • Hours: Online reporting available 24/7; office hours Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST
  • What it’s for: Australia’s national online safety regulator — report cyberbullying, harmful content, image-based abuse, and more.
  • Report cyberbullying (for under 18s): esafety.gov.au/report/cyberbullying
  • Report harmful content: esafety.gov.au/report

Report Directly to Platforms

Tip: Take screenshots before reporting. Platforms may remove content once a report is lodged, and you may need records for a formal complaint or police report.

Support for Children & Young People

Kids Helpline

  • Phone: 1800 55 1800 (free call)
  • Website: kidshelpline.com.au
  • Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Ages: 5–25
  • What it’s for: Confidential phone and online counselling for young people — any topic, including online safety, bullying, mental health, and crisis support.

Headspace

  • Phone (eheadspace): 1800 650 890
  • Website: headspace.org.au
  • Hours: eheadspace online chat and phone, 9am–1am AEST, 7 days a week
  • Ages: 12–25
  • What it’s for: Mental health and wellbeing support for young people, including online counselling, local centres, and a peer support community.

ReachOut Australia

  • Website: au.reachout.com
  • Hours: Online, self-paced — available anytime
  • Ages: 14–25 (ReachOut Youth); separate section for parents
  • What it’s for: Online self-help tools, articles, and peer forums for young people navigating mental health, relationships, and online issues.

Support for Parents & Carers

Parentline

Confidential telephone counselling for parents and carers. Numbers vary by state:

Beyond Blue

  • Phone: 1300 22 4636
  • Website: beyondblue.org.au
  • Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • What it’s for: Mental health support for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress — including distress caused by a family online safety crisis.

Image-Based Abuse & Sexual Content

1800RESPECT

  • Phone: 1800 737 732
  • Website: 1800respect.org.au
  • Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • What it’s for: Supports victims and families affected by image-based abuse and coercive online behaviour.

eSafety Commissioner — Image-Based Abuse

Reporting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)

Important: Do not share, forward, or store images of child sexual abuse material. Report it immediately and contact police.

Scams & Financial Harm

Scamwatch (ACCC)

IDCARE

  • Phone: 1800 595 160
  • Website: idcare.org
  • Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm AEST
  • What it’s for: Specialist help for identity theft, data breaches, and account compromise.

Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)

Mental Health Crisis Support

Lifeline

  • Phone: 13 11 14
  • Crisis text: Text “HELLO” to 0477 13 11 14
  • Website: lifeline.org.au
  • Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • What it’s for: Crisis support and suicide prevention for all Australians — phone, text, and online chat.

Beyond Blue

Kids Helpline

When & How to Report to Police

When to Go to Police

  • Threats of violence — credible threats made to your child online
  • Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) — report immediately, do not store
  • Grooming — suspected inappropriate relationship between an adult and your child
  • Financial crime — significant fraud or identity theft
  • Sextortion — threats to share intimate images unless demands are met
  • Serious cyberbullying — involves threats or may constitute a criminal offence

Online Reporting by State

Preserve Evidence Before Reporting

  • Take screenshots of messages, posts, and profiles
  • Note dates, times, and usernames
  • Do not delete messages or block the account yet
  • Save any links or URLs involved

You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone

Every service listed on this page exists because Australians recognised that families need real, accessible support when things go wrong online. Whether you’re dealing with a crisis right now or trying to understand your options after something has happened, these organisations are staffed by people who understand — and who are there specifically to help you and your child. Please reach out. Asking for help is one of the most effective things you can do.

This page is reviewed and updated regularly. If you notice an incorrect number or link, please contact us so we can fix it promptly.

Trusted resources