Working with the Web

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Advice and Contacts

Web 2.0 has wonderful learning opportunities for students but the ability to post anywhere/anytime can present issues and the risk of misuse. It may become necessary for the removal of content on a web 2.0 space such as a video, image, comment etc.

The quickest way to have content removed instantly is by the person who posted it. They have the passwords and information required. Talking to the students involved may reveal real issues and the quickest solution. It is often good to get a copy of the offensive material in case legal implications arise. Most web 2.0 sites have a facility to ‘flag’ content. Site-specific information and contacts below.

Cyberbullying can be a criminal offence. The Australian Government has a range of information on cyberbullying at NetAlert Different forms of stalking, harassment, sexual, racial discrimination have laws defining theses criminal acts and their application to the online world.

Kids Help Line can assist students: 1800 551 800. Both teachers, students and parents can use the NetAlert Helpline: 1800 880 176. There are interpreters available.

If you believe that a criminal offence has been committed contact your local police station.

Website contacts

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YouTube

Q   How do I get a video removed from YouTube?
The process is the same for all users, principals, teachers and students.  It does vary on the type of violation you are reporting.  

Non Privacy Issues eg fights, harassment, hate etc
“For non-privacy issues, the best way to report material that violates our Terms of Use is to use the 'flag' feature beneath the video. It will bring it to our attention immediately. Please note that minors fighting is expressly prohibited by our Terms of Use”

Privacy Issues
This would apply to a video which may not be offensive (see above) but was posted without informed or freely given consent. The video must still be flagged but it can only be flagged by the actual student or their parent. 

  • YouTube Community Guidelines  outlines in simple language what actually breaches their user conditions. See the 'don’t cross the line' section. This is an excellent reference for students.
  • Contact Us - Steps you through questions and procedures before you can contact YouTube directly.
  • YouTube ‘Help’  - outlines procedures for inappropriate content, abusive users, video takedowns and privacy issues
  • Abuse and Policy Centre - outlines the various issues and actions for users with YouTube.
  • Information for Educational Authorities: ‘I'm a school representative reporting a video’ - "In order to process abuse claims, we (YouTube) must receive notification directly from the individual in the video, or their legal guardians. If the individual involved is a co-worker, spouse, sibling, or friend, please have them contact us directly. Please do not continue to fill out the privacy form if you are not within the video or are the legal guardian of the person within the video. This could have severe legal consequences for you in your country, and will not be investigated by the YouTube staff. If you feel the content in the video is inappropriate based on our Terms of Use, you can report it to us for review by clicking the 'flag as inappropriate' link under the video".
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MySpace

  • MySpace provides members with the ability to report abuse - Help with FAQ
  • There is also a form available for the protection of school staff on this page. MySpace allows members to block unwanted contacts and set a MySpace page to 'private'. This will allow only selected 'friends' to view and or comment on that MySpace user’s pages. This can also be used as a form of cyberbullying (by exclusion).
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Club Penguin

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Habbo Hotel

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Bebo

  • Reporting abuse - Bebo has videos to step users through safety components. This includes reporting abuse.

Community contacts

    The support of students and teachers who have had experiences such as cyberbullying, privacy breaches or other online issues is essential. The appropriate Support in schools services are available to support victims of online abuse.

    For information about psychological issues such as internet addiction disorder
    Australian Psychological Society (APS)
    Tel: 1800 333 497

    Report cases of racial hatred or sex discrimination
    Human Rights Equal Opportunities Commission (HREOC)
    Tel: 1300 656 419

    Report inappropriate or illegal online content, or problems with a telecommunications service or provider
    Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
    Tel: 1800 226 667

    For help and advice about online privacy issues
    Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner Australia
    Phone 1300 363 992

    Complain about inappropriate content in computer games, video and DVD programs
    Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC)
    Tel: (02) 9289 7100

    The Victoria Police have developed a Safety resource for students. The most relevant sections are: