Symantec Corp and Norton Hornet V8 Supercar drivers Michael Caruso and James Moffatt have donated money and time to beyondblue to help stop cyberbullying.

SYMANTEC CORP, maker of Norton (anti-virus software), has donated $260,000 to not-for-profit organisation, beyondblue, following a donation of a similar amount last year. According to Symantec, the donation is intended to support beyondblue’s work with children to combat the affects of cyberbullying.

Symantec handed over the $260,000 cheque to beyondblue at the Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars event with Norton Hornets drivers Michael Caruso and James Moffatt also present.

Symantec’s managing director and vice president for the Pacific region, Brenton Smith, said, “Technology has provided a whole new platform for bullies and their torments are no longer limited to schoolyards or street corners. Cyberbullying affects people of all ages, but is especially problematic for school-age children who are now faced with bullying anywhere and anytime – at home, school or even when they are on the go.”

“Most children do not report cyberbullying incidents when they occur and parents have limited knowledge of how to help their children become resilient against cyberbullying. We want to educate children and parents about what they can do to reduce the impact of cyberbullying and we hope our donation to beyondblue will go some way to help break the connection between cyberbullying, depression and suicide,” added Smith.

Georgie Harman, CEO, beyondblue, said: “Symantec has this year again provided the largest corporate donation from the private sector to beyondblue. This money will help us tackle cyberbullying and is important because we are seeing an evidence based connection between cyberbullying and suicide.

“Cyberbullying, like any form of bullying or discrimination, can lead to enormous stress, which in turn can lead to depression, anxiety and suicide if it continues over time. beyondblue wants to make Australian children more resilient to cyberbullying and to achieve this we have developed online content and a fact sheet for young people. These are available at www.youthbeyondblue.com and will help build young people’s resilience and reduce cyberbullying’s impact. Given cyberbullying can lead to suicide, we are also developing resources in the form of a video and information guide that will equip parents with the tools and confidence to discuss these issues with their children.

“These resources will be available to Australians free of charge which would not have been possible without the continued support and generosity from the team at Symantec and Norton.”

For the first time, the bright yellow Norton cars will support the nickname of the each driver on the sides of the vehicles as they lap the famous Gold Coast circuit.

“At the Gold Coast 600 this weekend, we’ve changed the branding on the sides of our cars, replacing Norton with our nicknames. Mateship and camaraderie are fundamental elements for beyondblue when dealing with cyberbullying, depression and anxiety, so while ‘Moff Dog’ might look odd down the side of a race car, it’s the friendship that we have within the team that helps us achieve at the highest level – both on and off the track.”

Cyberbullying Prevention Tips

1. Use caution when giving out mobile phone numbers or email addresses, or other social media contact information.
2. Do not reply to threatening or disturbing emails, as this will only encourage the bully. If others in a chat or online discussion become unpleasant, leave the conversation.
3. Make use of the privacy and security settings on social networking sites, as this will prevent bullies from seeing information they can use against their victims.
4. If a child is being cyberbullied they should tell someone they trust, whether it is a friend, parent, teacher, or other person who works with youth.
5. Keep any emails, messages, or texts as evidence of the bullying and block email addresses or specific users on certain social networks, so messages are no longer received.
6. If you need to speak with someone about cyberbullying, depression or anxiety, contact beyondblue on infoline@beyondblue.org.au or 1300 224 636.