Sharp increase in reported cyber bullying

There has been a 60 per cent increase in cyber bullying cases reported to the office of the children's eSafety commissioner in the past year.

Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant says the rise could be a result of increased awareness of the organisation, soon to broaden its remit to all eSafety matters.

"Our own research shows us one-in-five young Australians has been cyber-bullied over time," she told senators at an upper house hearing in Canberra on Thursday.

Ms Inman-Grant says the organisation offers a "safety net" to victims who have no luck pursuing the issue with a social media site.

"I'm pleased and proud to say we have resolved all 400 cases that have come to us," she said.

The office has been able to use a "carrot" over the last two years and has seen action without the need for formal take-down orders.