CHILD SAFETY / CYBERSECURITY

PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL ABUSE ONLINE

Online sexual abuse can happen to any child, at any age. It usually happens when a child is persuaded or pressured to do things like talk about private parts of their body, share nude images, or get sexual in an online chat or video call. Sending a child sexually explicit material is also abuse. Helping children to understand the risks of being online is just one practical steps parents and carers can take to help protect them.

Top tips:

• Have regular, age‑appropriate conversations with your child about what they do online, who they’re talking to, and how it makes them feel. This can help them spot risks and speak up early if something goes wrong.  

   

• Use parental controls on apps and games together, learn about the platforms your child uses, and watch for changes in behaviour that may signal something isn’t right.   

   

• Read this  book -  ‘Let’s talk about being safe online’ with your child to explore online safety through simple, open conversations. You can also order your free copy!  

Most importantly, let children know they won’t get in trouble for asking for help. 

The eSafety website has more practical tips, conversation starters, safety tools and information on where to get support. 

To learn more, click here