The Federal government has announced a $10 million boost to address digital inclusion for Indigenous communities.

The new strategy promises many benefits, however increased access to the cyber world also increases the risk of online dangers, especially with regard to vulnerable individuals and communities.

Increasing the risk of exposure to online racism is a very real danger for First Nations adults and children, with experts warning of the negative impact this has on mental health.

Prior to the referendum, Aboriginal people were reportedly exposed to one incident of racism online per day and experts have advised that this is significantly higher than pre-social media times, where a person might have experienced an account of racism on one occasion per week.

High profile members of the community have declared an increase of online racism, as debate around the referendum begins to intensify. The Office of the eSafety Commissioner have advised of a small but noticeable rise in adult cyber abuse complaints from First Nations people in the first quarter of 2023, with incidents expected to increase as we near the referendum.

It is clear that exposure to racism significantly impacts mental health. Leading Aboriginal Psychologist Dr Tracy Westerman, has previously advised the National Indigenous Times that experiencing racism triggers the same fight or flight response that trauma also activates.

"There are more mechanisms and platforms for racism that Aboriginal people need to contend with each day. We have just become accustomed to experiencing dozens of racists comments on a daily basis," she said.

"Racism has irrefutable psychological impacts informed by science."

Acutely aware of the situation unfolding, the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated "eSafety welcomes any initiative that aims to increase the online participation, digital literacy and digital inclusion for First Nations people."

"But if we do not create safer and less toxic spaces for First Nations people, we are also relegating them to less digital inclusion. Our reporting schemes deal with serious intent to harm because we know that targeted, racialised online abuse is also designed to silence voices."

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Image: Mick Tsikas (AAP)

"One in 10 Australians have experienced some form of hate speech online, but First Nations people are twice as likely to be the subject of hate speech online compared with the national average. First Nations people who are under 18 are three times as likely to encounter such abuse."

(This video is available to view in Aboriginal English, Torres Strait Islander Creole, NT Kriol, Warlpiri, Arrernte and Yolngu)

The eSaftey Commissioner has also advised that there are a number of resources available on their website which have been designed with and for First Nations communities. "We are committed to consultation and co-design with First Nations people and communities to ensure online safety prevention strategies are effective and culturally sensitive."

"eSafety also offers 'Strong People, Safe Spaces' social media self-defence training tailored to First Nations organisations and communities to teach attendees how to use tech tools to protect themselves on social media, report online abuse, and support their own wellbeing."

To ensure communities are receiving the education required and are able to access associated materials, the Office of the eSafety Commissioner are seeking opportunities to engage directly with communities. Alongside a number of outreach and engagement activities, eSafety will have representation at this year's Garma Festival delivering information in Yolngu and 8 other First Nations languages.

The Commissioner informed "In the lead up to the referendum, eSafety is working closely with partner agencies to promote its statutory powers to Australians who require support to quickly remove seriously harmful online abuse."   

All Australians experiencing online abuse are encouraged to report it at eSafety.gov.au/report.