Resources to help protect children from sexual abuse online

How does child sexual abuse happen online?  

This video includes discussion of child sexual abuse that may be upsetting for some viewers.  

Contact Lifeline or 1800 RESPECT to talk with someone for support.

When child sexual abuse happens online and not in person, it is still child sexual abuse. 

It can happen when someone in a game or on social media pressures a child or teenager to talk about their body or their sexual experiences, or to send pictures, or live stream videos of themselves naked or being sexual. 

The person could be a friend, relative or stranger.    
 

As parents and carers we can help to protect our children.    

Learn how to use online safety features and talk with your kids about online sexual abuse as they grow and develop. 

At eSafety.gov.au

What is child sexual abuse online

This video includes discussion of child sexual abuse that may be upsetting for some viewers.  

Contact Lifeline or 1800 RESPECT to talk with someone for support.

Child sexual abuse online is any sexual abuse of a child or teenager that happens on the internet.

It can happen when a child is pressured to talk about private parts of their body online, share nude images, or be sexual on live streams. 

Sending a child sexually explicit material is also abuse.

Abusers will often trick, scare, blackmail or flatter children into doing what they ask. 

They may first build a friendship online with the child around things they both like, with the aim of abusing them online or in person. 

Not all children will recognise that they’re at risk of harm or know how to talk about it.  

The person abusing them could be a relative, a friend or a stranger. 

People can also hide their identity online, making it hard for children to know who to trust.

Abuse can happen to any child. 

It can happen quickly, and at home without parents and carers knowing.

Talking with your child early and often can help them understand the warning signs of sexual abuse online and to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Learn how to use online safety features and how to talk with your kids about online sexual abuse as they grow and develop.

At eSafety.gov.au. 

Protecting our children from child sexual abuse online

This video includes discussion of child sexual abuse that may be upsetting for some viewers.  

Contact Lifeline or 1800 RESPECT to talk with someone for support.

Child sexual abuse can happen online to children, including teenagers. 

As parents and carers, there are things we can do to help protect our children.

We can talk regularly with them about what they’re doing online, how it makes them feel and who they are connecting with, as well as risks like sexual abuse.  

Paying attention to how kids use their devices can help you spot issues early.  

Get to know the safety settings on devices and platforms, and you might like to add parental controls.

Think about who is in your online network and how that may allow others to connect with your child or see photos and videos of them.  

Help your community be safer by talking about online child sexual abuse to make it harder for abuse to happen.  

Report illegal and restricted online content to eSafety, including material that shows or encourages child sexual abuse.  

Find more tips at eSafety.gov.au.

We can talk about online sexual abuse

This video includes discussion of child sexual abuse that may be upsetting for some viewers.  

Contact Lifeline or 1800 RESPECT to talk with someone for support.

Talking with children, including teenagers is a powerful way that we can reduce the risk of them being sexually abused online.  

We know these conversations can be challenging or awkward. 

But when children know about sexual abuse and feel they can talk openly about it in their own words, they are more likely to speak up if they have worries or questions.

You can start by letting them know that they have a right to feel safe online and offline, and be protected from harm.

Then you can talk about sexual abuse using language they understand.  

For example, explain that they are in charge of their bodies and say things like, ‘It’s never okay for someone to ask a child for photos without clothes on,’ 

and ‘It’s never okay for adults to ask children to keep their friendship a secret, or go somewhere private online like a private chat room in a game.’.

Reassure them you will always listen and be on their side if anyone asks them to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable, unsafe or scared. 

Also be clear about who else they can talk to, for example trusted family members or teachers, or Kids Helpline.

Learn more about how to talk with kids about online sexual abuse as they grow and develop.

At eSafety.gov.au. 

Recognising signs of child sexual abuse online

This video includes discussion of child sexual abuse that may be upsetting for some viewers.  

Contact Lifeline or 1800 RESPECT to talk with someone for support.

Children, including teenagers who have experienced sexual abuse online may show some signs, or none at all. 

This can depend on the child’s age and development, and how the abuse happened.

If we notice a change in our children that worries us, like seeming anxious or secretive about what they’re doing online, it’s important to ask about it. 

Not all children will understand or tell you if they’re uncomfortable online, or if they are experiencing abuse. 

It’s important to pay attention to how they behave, especially with their devices.

It can help to talk with them if we’re concerned. 

We might say, ‘I’ve noticed you’ve been using your phone more lately, and sometimes you look worried. 

What’s been happening?’ or ‘I’ve heard you mention sexual things you’ve seen online recently. You know you can talk to me about anything, right?’  

Let the child know that you’re there for them, you won’t judge them, and that they can come to you with whatever’s bothering them. 

Tell them they won’t get in trouble or be banned from using devices.

If you discover that a child is being abused online, first make sure they are safe.

Then report the abuse to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.

Find out more at eSafety.gov.au.

Helping children experiencing sexual abuse online

This video includes discussion of child sexual abuse that may be upsetting for some viewers.  

Contact Lifeline or 1800 RESPECT to talk with someone for support.

Over 40,000 reports of child sexual exploitation, including abuse, were made to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation between 2022 and 2023 – and we know not all abuse is reported.  

If your child has been abused, it’s normal to feel upset or angry, but staying calm might encourage them to keep talking about what has happened.  

They may be scared to discuss it. 

It’s important they know it’s not their fault, and that there are adults who can support them.

First, make sure your child is safe.

Know that you are not alone.

Friends, family and services such as Bravehearts, Kids Helpline, Reachout, and Blue Knot are there for you and your family.

To make a confidentail report, complete the online form at www.accce.gov.au.  

Your report will be assessed by specialist investigators from the Australian Federal Police.

It can help to collect screenshots, links, profiles or accounts, and any other details about the abuser.  

Do not save or take screenshots of naked or semi-naked images of any child.  

Include all the details in your report.  

Find out more at eSafety.gov.au