Wellbeing

Safer Internet- Unwanted Contact and Grooming

In the past year, we are seeing more children socialising online. It is a great way to build friendships but can also put them at risk, such as unwanted contact and grooming.

How to deal with unwanted contact

If someone is contacting your child and this contact is unwanted or makes them feel uncomfortable, here are some things you can do to help.

• Make their accounts private
• Delete contacts they don’t really know
• Report and block inappropriate users 
• Delete requests from strangers

How does online grooming happen?

Grooming involves building a relationship with a child in order to later abuse them. Groomers can use sophisticated strategies to gain your child’s trust online. For example, groomers can pretend to be young people themselves to trick children into chatting and later to coerce children into sharing sexual images.

How can I protect my child?

• Stay involved in your child’s digital world
• Build an open trusting relationship
• Help your child to protect their privacy
• Teach your child to be alert to signs of inappropriate contact
• Establish safety guidelines for meeting online ‘friends’ face-to-face

What to do if something goes wrong?

• Stay calm and reassure your child they are not in trouble
• Act to protect your child: If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or call your local police. 
• Get professional help and support through Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or eHeadspace.
• Parentline 13 22 89 offers counselling, information and support services.

For more information, please read the advice by the eSafety Commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/unwanted-contact

Penny Hsiao 

Health Promotion Nurse