The prevalence on hi-tech Christmas presents being activated over the coming weeks will be exploited by online predators, sparking a warning for parents to be vigilant.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Human Exploitation Commander Helen Schneider said the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) recorded a spike in reports of offenders preying on children online during holiday periods.
Commander Schneider urged parents who were buying internet-enabled devices for their children this Christmas to install safety features and talk to their children about how to stay safe online.
“The latest gadgets are usually at the top of Santa’s wish list, and, unfortunately, anything popular with children can also attract the attention of people who want to harm or exploit them,’’ she said.
“The tech industry does include inbuilt safety features that can restrict the content a child can access and prevent strangers messaging them.
“There are also apps and external software that can enhance your child’s safety online.”
Commander Schneider said these safeguards were designed to be user-friendly “so even technologically challenged adults can use them”.
“However, no amount of technology will ever replace the protection provided by starting an open and honest dialogue with your child about online safety.”
She said AFP’s ThinkUKnow website had tips on how to have those conversations and other practical advice and resources to support parents, carers and children.
“One of the resources available on ThinkUKnow is a free e-book that deals directly with online grooming through gaming consoles.”
She said the ACCCE received more than 58,000 reports of online child abuse or exploitation in Australia in the 2023-24 financial year, an increase of 45 percent from the previous year.
AFP tips for parents and carers
- Check if the app or game your child is using has a direct message or chat function, and see if they are talking to people they know and trust or people they only know online.
- Consider disabling the chat if not necessary for the game or app. If this isn’t possible, ensure your child knows to keep the chat about the game only and to avoid answering any personal questions.
- Some apps or games have privacy settings that can be changed to limit who can contact your child. It is recommended to implement this where possible, however keep in mind these can sometimes be changed, so a regular privacy “check-up” is suggested to make sure these are still in place.
- Encourage critical thinking skills with your child and explain to them that not everyone online is who they say they are.
- Someone asking your child to move to another platform or to add them as a “friend” on another platform might be a sign that something isn’t right. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity and know how to block and report them.
