Commissioner helps kids shake off bullies

Pop starlet Taylor Swift has made a virtual appearance in parliament with politicians examining measures to help Australian children shake off cyber-bullying.

Nationals MP Andrew Broad has quoted Swift's song Shake It Off to make the point that government and parents need to help young victims of bullying remember they are worthwhile.

"The haters are going to hate, the players are going to play and together with your future and a strong Australians government we want your innocence to be protected," he told parliament on Monday.

The lower house passed two bills that will create a new children's e-safety commissioner to handle complaints and crack down on cyber-bullying.

The new laws will also mean bullying victims can compel Facebook and Twitter to take down harmful material.

Many MPs made the point that with the rise of technology, bullying no longer stopped at the school gates.

"There is no way to say stop and there is no way that they can turn this off at the end of the school day," Labor's Kate Ellis said.

Some applauded the recent initiative of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation to set up a "digital licence" program that teaches kids how to be smart, safe and responsible online.

Paul Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Communication Minister, said while most online interactions were positive, a few went wrong.

"When that happens, the internet and social media in particular can make bullying behaviour more dangerous to children who are the victim of it," he said.

The Enhancing Online Safety For Children Bill 2014 and related consequential amendments will now head to the Senate, where a committee is due to report on it on March 3.