Child Protection campaign launches

CRIME Stoppers and the eSafety Commissioner recently launched a nationwide Child Protection campaign.

The awareness initiative seeks to keep children safe from sexual abuse and unsuitable online contact by teaching parents about the potential dangers their children can face via the internet.

Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive officer Stella Smith said it was crucial parents were educated on the matter.

“There is no doubt that child sexual abuse material is rife on the internet, so it is more important than ever for parents and caregivers to be aware of the real and present dangers faced by children when they spend time online.

“Predators are gaining increased access to children online through a range of popular apps, games and social media sites to solicit sexual images or videos, or harm them physically. We want everyone to be vigilant and if you suspect or see something related to online child sexual abuse, then report it immediately so action can be taken.”

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Gran said the campaign was particularly timely with coronavirus keeping many families at home.

“Online safety starts in the home. And now, with children and young people spending more time at home and online in the face of COVID-19, we want to work with and support parents and carers throughout these challenging times, to help them stay alert, recognise the warning signs of unwanted contact and protect their children.

“Online child abuse and exploitation can happen in many ways. The predator could be a stranger, an ‘online friend’ your child has never met face-to-face, or someone they actually know – this is why we have developed strategies to help parents talk to their child before a predator does.

“Taking this campaign to a national level means we can achieve broader vigilance and community awareness about these issues.”

The campaign was trialed in New South Wales last year and saw a 62 per cent increase in complaints about child sexual abuse material to eSafety.

For information on reporting child sexual abuse material and a range of prevention strategies to help keep children safe online, head to crimestoppers.com.au.

Child sexual abuse material can be reported anonymously to the eSafety Commissioner by heading to esafety.gov.au/reportillegalcontent.