What is Dolly's Law? The Story Behind Australia's Landmark Cyberbullying Law

Dolly’s Law was introduced in New South Wales in 2018, following the death of 14-year-old Dolly Everett. It recognised something many families already knew: intimidation doesn’t stop when someone goes home or puts their phone down. Online behaviour can have a real impact on someone’s safety and wellbeing, too. 

Here’s what you need to know about Dolly’s Law, how it works and where to find support if you or someone you care about is experiencing bullying. 

In January 2018, Dolly Everett died after experiencing ongoing bullying and cyberbullying. 

Her parents, Kate and Tick Everett, made a commitment to help prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak. They established Dolly’s Dream to raise awareness of bullying and cyberbullying, support young people and their families, and help create a future where every young person feels safe, valued and supported. 

Dolly’s story sparked conversations across Australia about the impact of bullying, particularly when it follows young people into their online lives. 

In response, the NSW Government introduced legislative changes that became known as Dolly’s Law. 

It was an important step in recognising that intimidation can happen through a screen, as well as face-to-face. 

Despite its name, Dolly’s Law isn’t a standalone law. It’s the name commonly used for changes made to New South Wales legislation in 2018, including amendments to the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW). 

These changes recognised that intimidation can happen through digital technology, not only in person. 

That matters because online abuse doesn’t always end when the school bell rings or the workday finishes. Messages, social media and other digital platforms can give harmful behaviour a way to follow someone into their home and personal life. 

Dolly’s Law helped make clear that online intimidation can have serious consequences and may be dealt with under the law. 

Dolly’s Law relates to certain forms of intimidation, including behaviour carried out online. Depending on the circumstances, this may include: 

• Sending threatening or abusive messages. 

• Repeatedly contacting someone when the contact is unwanted. 

• Posting threatening comments on social media. 

• Using messages or other digital platforms to intimidate or harass someone. 

• Sharing content as part of behaviour that causes someone to fear for their safety. 

Not every argument, disagreement or unkind comment will meet the legal threshold for intimidation. Whether behaviour breaks the law depends on the circumstances and the relevant legal requirements. 

But that doesn’t mean unkind behaviour should be ignored. Bullying can affect a young person’s confidence, friendships and sense of belonging, even when it doesn’t meet the threshold for legal action. 

If something is happening to you or someone you know, you don’t have to wait until it reaches a certain level of seriousness before asking for help. 

Under the NSW legislation, certain online behaviours may be considered intimidation when they meet the relevant legal requirements, including requirements relating to fear of physical or mental harm. 

Depending on the circumstances, legal protections may be available, including an apprehended violence order (AVO). Serious offences can also carry criminal penalties. 

The important thing to understand is that the law doesn’t automatically make every instance of cyberbullying a criminal offence. Whether a particular behaviour is unlawful depends on the facts and the legislation that applies. 

If you’re concerned about online behaviour, you can seek advice about your options and what steps may be available to you. 

This is a common question, and the answer is no. Dolly’s Law refers specifically to legislative changes in New South Wales. 

However, that doesn’t mean people in other parts of Australia have no legal protections. 

Laws dealing with threats, stalking, harassment and other harmful behaviour may apply in different states and territories. Federal laws and Australia's online safety framework may also be relevant in certain circumstances. 

The laws and options available depend on the type of behaviour and where it occurred. If you’re looking for legal information or considering taking action, it’s important to check the rules that apply in your state or territory. 

Dolly’s Law helped bring an important message into the national conversation: what happens online matters. 

Being behind a screen doesn’t make harmful behaviour harmless. Online intimidation can affect how safe someone feels, their relationships and their everyday life. 

The law is one part of Australia's response to cyberbullying, but laws alone can’t prevent bullying from happening. 

We also need to help young people understand the impact of their behaviour, give parents and carers the confidence to start conversations, and make sure schools and communities know how to respond when something isn’t right. 

That means taking bullying seriously, looking out for one another and making it easier for young people to speak up and ask for help. 

At Dolly’s Dream, we believe every young person deserves to feel safe, valued and included, both online and offline. Through education, practical resources and support for young people and the adults around them, we’re working towards a future where kindness is part of everyday life. 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing bullying, you don’t have to work out what to do on your own. 

Talking to a trusted adult, parent, carer or teacher can be a good place to start. If you're worried about online behaviour, it may also help to seek advice about how to report it and what support is available. 

Dolly’s Dream is here to help. 

• Young people: Call the 13 DOLLY Bullying Support Line on 13 36 55. The service is available 24/7 and is delivered in partnership with Kids Helpline. You can also access webchat or request a call-back through our website. 

• Adults, including parents and teachers: Call 13 DOLLY on 13 36 55 between 6 am and midnight for support through our partnership with Parentline. No referral is needed. 

• Explore our resources: Visit the Dolly’s Dream Bullying Support Hub for practical information and guidance for young people, parents and carers, and educators. 

You don’t have to have all the answers before reaching out. Sometimes, knowing where to start makes all the difference.