Parents throughout the Hunter are being urged to monitor their children’s cyber habits more closely during the holiday season.
The warning comes as Crime Stoppers, NSW Police Force, eSafety Commissioner and the Australian Federal Police-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation have joined forces to raise awareness of the safety risks facing young people online.
Unfortunately, this period of the year is an opportunity for sexual predators to strike through popular apps, games and social media sites, knowing kids potentially spend more unsupervised time on their phones, iPads and computers.
“Our mandate is to help: to stop, solve and prevent crime,” Crime Stoppers CEO Peter Price AM said.
“So, we’re imploring parents/guardians to be even more attentive.
“Protecting our most vulnerable is a priority. Young or old.”
According to the Mind the Gap Research undertaken by eSafety, there are significant gaps in parents’ awareness.
The study showed 55% of children communicated with someone they first met online yet only 34% of their mothers or fathers were aware.
In the 14-17-year age group, 62% were exposed to negative online content yet only 43% of their parents were aware.
This subject matter included gory or violent material, drug taking, hate messages, self-harm, ways to take their own life and violent sexual images or videos.
At least 11% of 14-17-year-olds were asked by someone online to send sexual images of themselves.
Information to help parents and teens is readily available but many don’t know where to go to get help.
“The internet can create a range of safety challenges for children,” Mr Price said.
“Our message to parents is not everyone your child meets online is who they say they are.
“There are signs you can watch out for like your youngster becomes vague or secretive about what they’re doing online, they become quieter or more withdrawn, they avoid their phone or other devices and seem anxious when near them.
“Communication and education are so important when it comes to online predators.
“From an early age you can let your child know if anyone asks for a photo of them without clothes on, they should tell you straight away so you can help them.”
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant agreed.
“Just as we put helmets on our kids to ride a bike, we need to keep them safe when they go online – whether they’re watching videos, gaming, or on social networking apps,” she said.
“This is especially true with virtual reality headsets and connected toys.
“The best way to prevent your child from being groomed is to be a regular, active participant in their online and offline lives.
“Set family rules together, including which devices and apps can be used, when and for how long.
“Ensure they are used in open areas of the home, rather than in the bathroom or bedroom, so you’re generally aware of what they’re doing online.
“Most importantly, co-play and co-view, particularly through interactive games with strangers.
“The vast majority of covert online grooming and sexual extortion our investigators see is happening behind closed doors, in what might be considered the ‘safety and sanctity’ of one’s home.”
Some of the red flags include suspicious accounts, asking personal questions, inconsistencies in the profile or language used and starting sexualised chat.
Online safety is just another skill kids can learn and really need help from their parents to do it.
Commander of the NSWPF State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty said people could not afford to ignore protecting their children online.
“The internet is a place where kids can learn, socialise and play – and something that is always going to be a part of their lives – which is why parents can’t turn away from it,” she explained.
“The best protection for your child is you as the parent.
“My advice is make sure you are educated and well-armed with resources available at places such as ThinkUKnow.
“I also recommend having regular open and honest conversations with your child about what they’re up to online.
“The best thing you can do is ensure they feel safe coming to you if they have questions or concerns about people they are engaging with.
“Sex Crimes Squad investigators spend every day online uncovering offenders who use the internet to groom children and, while we will not rest in the pursuit of any alleged sex offenders, we can’t fight this problem alone and need the help of parents.
“Together we can make sure our children are educated and protected against online threats, so they can safely use the internet for all the positive and meaningful things it affords our children.”
In cases of sextortion, young people may be worried they will get into trouble and therefore won’t tell anyone what is happening.
“Police are here to protect children from online sexual exploitation,” Detective Superintendent Doherty said.
“You will not be in trouble and the officers will not blame or criticise you for being a victim.
“Understanding the tactics these predators use is the first step in protecting yourself.
“We ask teens to seek help as soon as possible and know that with help, they can make it stop.
“If you are under 18 and being blackmailed online the best way to get help is to report it to the ACCCE who have a range of specialised resources available to specifically investigate this type of offending.”
If it does happen there are three key steps:
- Collect Evidence – Screenshots or photos of the conversation. Record social media details such as profiles, usernames and URLs
- Block – Block the user and consider changing your information including your password
- Report – Report it as soon as possible to ACCCE
No information is too small or insignificant. Something that may appear that way could be vital to a police investigation.
If you’re 18 or older and being blackmailed, report it to any platforms or services where the blackmailer contacted you.
If your intimate image or video is shared you can report to eSafety to have it removed. eSafety has tips to help you deal with sexual extortion.
For more news stories:
- Teen charged following aggravated break and enter at Nelson Bay
- Don’t let traffic ruin your holiday spirit
- More warnings issued after seven people rescued from rip at Birubi
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