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Helpline

Jesuit Social Services An initiative of Jesuit Social Services

Helpline

Your online behaviour

On this page:

We are here to help — support is available to help you make safer choices.

We support anyone worried about their online behaviour and wanting to make a change. Reach out via our anonymous helpline for help and support. Call us on 1800 01 1800.

You do not need to manage this alone, we are here to offer non-judgmental support and advice.

Take some time to look through the information below and, try the Get Help! self-help modules. These modules include exercises to help you understand more about your online behaviour and how to manage it.

These modules can be accessed completely anonymously and can be completed at your own pace.

To learn more about our anonymity policy, please visit our Helpline page.

Get Help! Self help modules

The Get Help! modules offer valuable information about:

These modules encourage reflection on your online behaviour by helping you identify what motivates it, how it developed, and patterns or triggers that have influenced it, with the aim of increasing self-awareness and supporting you to take accountability and make positive changes.

These modules focus on helping you understand your emotions and healthier ways to communicate and express your feelings to make positive changes to your behaviour.

These modules provide you with strategies to support you to move forward and live a happy life that is free of harm, including how to build a strong support system and engage in healthy activities.

These modules take you through exercises that will help you address different issues that you may be experiencing.

We recommend completing the modules in order, however you may choose to start with those that are most relevant to you. 

We encourage you to look at all sections (even if you feel confident in some areas) as you may still find them helpful. If you’d like to talk through any of the content or explore it in more depth, you can also contact our helpline for anonymous guidance.

Understand why and how to change risky or illegal online behaviour

Using this website is an important step forward. If you’re concerned about your online behaviour and want to make positive changes, you’re in the right place. You have the power to stop yourself from offending online, and this website will give you the information and tools to help you achieve that goal.

Anyone who is worried about their online behaviour can use these resources, including people who have not engaged in illegal behaviour.  

Changing behaviour isn’t easy. It requires ongoing commitment to stop behaviour that causes harm to yourself and others. People successfully change their behaviour every day, and so can you.      

The first step is recognising that you want to make a change. Take some time to think about what is motivating you. It can help to write your reasons down on your phone or on paper. When things feel difficult, you can look back at this and remind yourself why this change matters. 

You have taken a really positive step by accessing this website. We are here to support you to navigate this, and build a healthier, safer and happier life. 

A helpful framework to understand how change happens is the Stages of Change Model by Prochaska and DiClemente, described in Changing for Good (1994). This model outlines the steps people move through when changing behaviour, from not yet recognising a problem to maintaining positive, long-term change. 

These stages can sometimes be explained as:

You start to become aware that something isn’t okay or could cause harm.

You begin to consider doing things differently, even if you’re unsure how or when.

You decide you want to make a change and start planning small steps.

You begin actively making changes to your behaviour by trying new positive behaviours. You put your plan into practice.

You work to maintain the changes over time.

Sometimes people return to earlier stages. This isn’t failure — it’s part of learning. Each time you reflect on what did or didn’t work and try again, you build more understanding and increase your ability to manage these thoughts or behaviours. 

Change is a process, and seeking support is a strong first step. 

Setting goals

Making changes can feel hard, especially if your online behaviour feels like it has become a habit. Setting goals can help you move towards the person you want to be. 

It helps to start small. Small steps are easier to manage, and they build confidence over time. Doing small things regularly can lead to big changes. 

Try to focus on what you will do, not just what you want to stop doing. Writing your goals down or saving them on your phone can also help you stay on track.

  • Limit my time online to one hour per day, or spend 10 minutes less online each day. 
  • Do not access websites or apps related to children. If I feel the urge, I will log it in a journal and review strategies. 
  • Choose and install one type of filter or block on my devices to reduce temptation. 
  • Do a daily healthy activity, like going for a 15-minute walk, stretching or doing a short workout. 
  • Spend at least 30 minutes offline with family or friends each day.
  • Use the internet only for specific tasks like work, study, or banking. Keep a daily log of usage. 
  • Plan my day with at least one offline activity, such as reading, cooking, or going outside. 
  • Exercise 3–4 times per week or spend at least 30 minutes outside on most days.
  • Keep a daily log to track my choices and feel more in control of online behaviour. 
  • Start a new hobby or interest and dedicate 1-2 hours to this per week, like an art class or a community group. 
  • Develop healthier tech habits by setting daily limits and reviewing progress. 

Viewing sexual images of anyone under 18 years old is illegal 

We are not a legal advice service. However, it is important to understand that many online sexual behaviours towards children are illegal and can have serious consequences. 

Viewing sexual images of anyone under 18 years old is illegal and carries serious consequences for children, yourself and your family. The online world is the real world, and illegal behaviour comes with real world consequences. It is important to understand the law, so that you know what is right and wrong – even if you believe otherwise. Sexually offending against a child has many serious consequences, far beyond the possibility of going to prison. 

Child sexual abuse material is illegal in all states and territories, as well as under federal law. The Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) criminalises child sexual abuse in any form – written, photographic, online, or visual recording images (this includes animations and AI material). Under Commonwealth law, you could face child sexual abuse offence charges if you take, distribute, make available, possess, or store sexual or intimate images of someone under 18 or who looks or represents someone under the age of 18.   

Engaging in sexual communication with children online is illegal

We are not a legal advice service. However, it is important to understand that many online sexual behaviours towards children are illegal and can have serious consequences. 

All online sexual behaviour against children is harmful, and carries serious consequences for children, yourself and your family. Remember, the online world is the real world, and illegal behaviours have real world consequences.

It is important to understand that sexual communication with someone under 18 can be illegal. In Australia, some laws apply to children under 16, while others apply to young people under 18. Because age laws can be complex, the safest choice is to avoid any sexual communication with anyone under 18. 

Illegal online sexual behaviours include sexual conversations, asking for sexual images, sending sexual images or building a relationship with the intention of sexual contact (often called grooming). It does not matter if the conversation occurs online only, the child started the conversation, or you believe they are older. The responsibility always sits with the adult. Understanding this can help you make safer choices, protect young people from harm, and avoid serious consequences for children, yourself and the people around you.

Change is possible, and support is available if you need help to stop.

Need help? We’re here to talk through your concerns 

If you’re worried about your online behaviour or want support to make safer choices, you can speak to us anonymously. 

Call the Stop It Now! Australia helpline on 1800 01 1800 for free and anonymous help. 

Disclaimer 

Before you continue using this website, please read our disclaimer. 

On this website, “child” or “children” refers to anyone under the age of 18.