A growing concern in Australia is online child sexual abuse. It’s a tough topic, but it’s one we need to address head-on.
The eSafety Commissioner, Australia’s independent regulator for online safety, has important advice on what you can do and steps you can take to help protect your children.
What Is Online Child Sexual Abuse?
This issue is affecting children of all ages, showing up in ways like non-consensual sharing of intimate images, tech-facilitated child sexual abuse, sexual extortion (‘sextortion’) and the grooming of a child with the intention to abuse them online or in person.
With 11% of teens aged 14–17 reporting they’ve been solicited sexually online, it’s more important than ever to create environments where children feel safe to speak up – whether they’re at home or school.
To find out more, visit: eSafety.gov.au/child-sexual-abuse-online
What Can I Do?
Feeling overwhelmed by the online world your child is growing up in? You’re not alone.
Whether your child is starting to explore the internet or is already a tech-savvy teen, it’s natural to worry about who they’re connecting with online and whether they’re safe.
Just like you wouldn’t let your child dive into a pool without first teaching them how to swim, it’s important to teach them about online safety before they’re in too deep.
eSafety’s new resources are specifically designed to help address the growing concern of online child sexual abuse. Here are some steps you can take to protect your child:
- Understand the risks – Start by getting informed. Learn about the potential dangers and how to talk to your child about them in a way that’s age-appropriate.
- Use eSafety’s new resources – eSafety has developed new resources to help navigate this difficult topic. These tools guide you through key actions, like discussing who your child connects with online and staying aware of how they use their devices. You’ll find practical tips, videos and conversation starters to make these conversations easier.
As parents, carers, community members and educators, you can take practical steps to make a real difference. eSafety research shows that when we strengthen the support systems around children, we give them the best chance to stay safe online.
Together, we can ensure children have the support they need to explore the online world safely.
More information on what you can do is available at: eSafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/protecting-children-from-sexual-abuse-online
