Malicious gossip and bullying through social media is fuelling violence within Australia's indigenous communities, a social welfare advocate says.
Elke Smirl, who heads an action group dealing with indigenous family violence, says over the past few years she has been confronted with inter-generational conflicts linked to cyber bullying.
"It can infiltrate a family, sometimes devastate an entire community, even though it starts off as a verbal assault," Ms Smirl said.
The chair of the Eastern Metro Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group said bullying on social media can have enormous ramifications for indigenous Australians.
"Lateral violence is a very serious issue for us and it can be described as malicious gossip that appears to cause the oppressed to become the oppressor.
"It's very much a factor for our indigenous communities."
The Australian Communications and Media Authority on Friday launched a cyber safety program targeting indigenous youth, created in consultation with indigenous communities.
ACMA deputy chairman Richard Bean said the program uses short animated films, posters and web content to tackle online bullying, sexting and how youths can manage their digital footprint.
"It's designed to start the conversations that will help young indigenous people and their communities understand how online actions can easily have real life consequences," Mr Bean said on Friday.
