Photos and posts can sometimes reveal more than intended. Details shared online can be used by online child sex offenders to build a picture of a child or family, which may then be used to groom parents or children. Information often shared includes a child’s age or school year, full names, schools or sports teams, interests, and details that reveal routines or locations.

Images of children taking part in everyday activities can also be misused. In some cases, images have been altered to create sexually explicit artificial intelligence generated material.

There are practical steps parents and carers can take to better protect children online. Checking the background of photos, avoiding school logos or uniforms, limiting location sharing and using private group chats with trusted family and friends can all reduce risk. It is also important to talk with others about how photos of your child may be used or shared.

Report concerns

Concerns about online child sexual exploitation, including online grooming or sexual extortion, can be reported to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation at:

www.accce.gov.au