Online Safety & Filtering

Activ8me is committed to helping customers create a safer online environment, especially for children.

While we do not control internet content, you can reduce exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate material by using:

• Parental controls on devices
• Router-based filtering tools
• Third-party internet filtering software
• Safe Search and restricted modes on search engines and streaming services

Practicing safe online habits is essential to protect your personal information, safeguard your privacy, and keep children safe from harmful content.

This page provides practical steps and resources to help secure your devices when connected to the internet. It also includes tips for creating a safe online environment for children.

By promoting awareness of the Internet Industry Codes of Practice, we strengthen the connection between Australians and the internet industry. Activ8me takes pride in fostering these positive relationships and supporting safer online experiences for all.

Content Filtering (aka Family Friendly Filters)

Filters are software tools that let parents manage what users on their home network can access online by blocking or allowing specific websites and applications.

You can access more information about how to stay safe online and details about filters by visiting the Office of the eSafety Commissioner website.

What Are Content Filtering Programs?

With so many online filtering tools available, it can be difficult for families to know which one is best suited to their needs.

To make this easier, the Communications Alliance has developed the Family Friendly Filter Program — a list of filters that have been pre-approved based on strict criteria.

All filters included in the program meet the standards set out in the relevant industry code and have undergone thorough testing and assessment by the Communications Alliance.

Certified filters are grouped into four classification levels:

• Class 3 – Suitable for children under 10 years old
• Class 2 – Suitable for children aged 10 to 15
• Class 1 – Suitable for children over 15
• PUF Filters – These block access to sites on the eSafety Commissioner’s Prohibited URL Filter (PUF) list and are recommended for adults aged 18 and over.

These classifications help families choose filters that offer the right level of protection based on the age and needs of the user.

Parental Controls on Routers

Some routers, including the TP-Link vx230v that’s offered by Activ8me, have in-built parental controls which allow parents to block certain websites for being accessible on the Wi-Fi network.

They also allow other restrictions to be setup, such as to disable access at certain times of day. The app also allows parents to monitor what websites have been viewed on devices connected to the Wi-Fi network, and how much time they’ve spent online.

On the TP-Link vx230v, these features can be setup and customised through the TP-Link ‘Aginet’ and ‘Tether’ apps, both of which are free to download, or directly in the router settings.

Keeping Children Safe Online

It’s important to actively supervise your children when they’re using the internet.

Because anyone can upload or share content online, children may come across inappropriate or harmful material just as easily as safe and educational content.

Adult guidance not only helps prevent exposure to such material but can also provide valuable context to reduce its potential impact.

Tips to Help Keep Children Safe Online:

• Have regular conversations with your children about what they do online and who they interact with. As their interests and behaviours change over time, ongoing dialogue is key.
• Keep devices in shared spaces like the living room or kitchen and discourage internet use in bedrooms where supervision is harder.
• Help them choose appropriate usernames for their email, chat, and gaming accounts that don’t reveal personal information.
• Use parental control tools and online safety software, such as content filters and security programs, to add an extra layer of protection.
• Teach online manners. Talk to your child about respectful and responsible behaviour on the internet — how to treat others and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

Important Online Rules for Children and Teens

When your children are using the internet or social media, it’s important they follow a few key rules to stay safe:

• Never share personal information that could be used to identify or locate them. This includes their full name, address, phone number, school name, or the names of their friends and family.
• Speak up if something feels wrong. If they come across anything upsetting or disturbing online, they should tell you, a teacher, or a trusted friend.
• Call out unsafe behaviour. If they see a friend doing something inappropriate or risky online, encourage them to do the right thing and talk about why it matters.
• Be smart about what they see. Remind them that not everything online is true, and people may not be who they claim to be. It’s important they think critically and trust their instincts.
• Tell you about new online friendships. Make sure they know to let you know if they start chatting with someone new online.

Useful Websites for Further Information

Stay Smart Online is an Australian Government initiative designed to help all Australians use the internet safely and securely. The website offers practical advice and resources on a range of online safety topics, including:

• How to protect your computer and smart devices
• Safe practices for making online purchases and transactions
• Guidance on keeping kids safe while they’re online

Complaints

You can report offensive or illegal online content to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

You can access the eSafety Commissioner’s content reporting form here.

You can also report illegal content to Activ8me via the following channels, however our ability to block harmful content is limited.

You can lodge a complaint in any of the below options.

• Phone 13 22 88 (Weekdays 8am – 8pm, Weekends 8am – 5pm AEST/AEDT Vic time)
• Email complaints@activ8me.net.au
• Online on our complaints page

We recommend employing your own filtering services at a local network level (ie. on your router) or directly on devices, to ensure harmful content cannot be accessed.