Being aware of potential signs
Unfortunately, the signs of online child sexual abuse and exploitation are not always easy to identify.
Children and young people may not understand that there are risks in making friends with people online they do not already know. But they often do know:
- to keep their information private,
- not to send photos of themselves to anyone they haven’t met in person; and,
- not to share details of their lives with anyone they have not met in person.
So, why does online child sexual abuse and exploitation still occur?
Perpetrators know the messages children are taught about online safety online and can manipulate and deceive children in order to take advantage of them. They can be highly skilled at deception, and lead children to do things they are not comfortable with. That is why adults should be aware of the signs.
Being aware of potential signs
Unfortunately, the signs of online child sexual abuse and exploitation are not always easy to identify.
Children and young people may not understand that there are risks in making friends with people online they do not already know. But they often do know:
- to keep their information private,
- not to send photos of themselves to anyone they haven’t met in person; and,
- not to share details of their lives with anyone they have not met in person.
So, why does online child sexual abuse and exploitation still occur?
Perpetrators know the messages children are taught about online safety online and can manipulate and deceive children in order to take advantage of them. They can be highly skilled at deception, and lead children to do things they are not comfortable with. That is why adults should be aware of the signs.
Being aware of potential signs
Unfortunately, the signs of online child sexual abuse and exploitation are not always easy to identify.
Children and young people may not understand that there are risks in making friends with people online they do not already know. But they often do know:
- to keep their information private,
- not to send photos of themselves to anyone they haven’t met in person; and,
- not to share details of their lives with anyone they have not met in person.
So, why does online child sexual abuse and exploitation still occur?
Perpetrators know the messages children are taught about online safety online and can manipulate and deceive children in order to take advantage of them. They can be highly skilled at deception, and lead children to do things they are not comfortable with. That is why adults should be aware of the signs.
The signs
SIGN 1
Keeping secrets
If you learn that a child has been asked to keep a secret, it’s important to ask them more about it, and let them know that it’s safe for them to tell you.
SIGN 2
Sharing personal information
Children and young people might follow or have individuals they interact with online, but we need them to understand that it isn’t okay to share their personal information (e.g. phone number, address, school). They should tell us if someone asks for this information.
SIGN 3
Introducing to others
When perpetrators attempt to exploit children online, they may try to introduce them to their ‘friends’. These ‘friends’ may be positioned as older, cooler teenagers or young adults who are more likely to push boundaries of safety.
SIGN 4
Sharing photos
When perpetrators attempt to exploit children online, they may try to introduce them to their ‘friends’. These ‘friends’ may be positioned as older, cooler teenagers or young adults who are more likely to push boundaries of safety.
While children and young people might show behavioural signs or changes that can point to possible risks, it’s important to recognise when there might be something really serious happening. For most children and young people, the following are things to watch for, and talk to a professional about. If you notice any of the following, it’s important to talk to someone like a school Wellbeing Coordinator or GP.
The signs
SIGN 1
Keeping secrets
If you learn that a child has been asked to keep a secret, it’s important to ask them more about it, and let them know that it’s safe for them to tell you.
SIGN 2
Sharing personal information
Children and young people might follow or have individuals they interact with online, but we need them to understand that it isn’t okay to share their personal information (e.g. phone number, address, school). They should tell us if someone asks for this information.
SIGN 3
Introducing to others
When perpetrators attempt to exploit children online, they may try to introduce them to their ‘friends’. These ‘friends’ may be positioned as older, cooler teenagers or young adults who are more likely to push boundaries of safety.
SIGN 4
Sharing photos
Being asked to share a photo can be a serious red flag for risk, that can lead to more requests, like photos without clothes on. It’s important that we ensure children understand the risk of sharing photos of themselves online.
While children and young people might show behavioural signs or changes that can point to possible risks, it’s important to recognise when there might be something really serious happening. For most children and young people, the following are things to watch for, and talk to a professional about. If you notice any of the following, it’s important to talk to someone like a school Wellbeing Coordinator or GP.
While children and young people might show behavioural signs or changes that can point to possible risks, it’s important to recognise when there might be something really serious happening. For most children and young people, the following are things to watch for, and talk to a professional about. If you notice any of the following, it’s important to talk to someone like a school Wellbeing Coordinator or GP.
Don’t forget, you know the children and young people in your life best, so if there is anything at all you’re worried about, trust your gut and take action. It’s never too late.
While children and young people might show behavioural signs or changes that can point to possible risks, it’s important to recognise when there might be something really serious happening. Find out more about how to identify signs.
Don’t forget, you know the children and young people in your life best, so if there is anything at all you’re worried about, trust your gut and take action. It’s never too late.
While children and young people might show behavioural signs or changes that can point to possible risks, it’s important to recognise when there might be something really serious happening. Find out more about how to identify signs.
Don’t forget, you know the children and young people in your life best, so if there is anything at all you’re worried about, trust your gut and take action. It’s never too late.
While children and young people might show behavioural signs or changes that can point to possible risks, it’s important to recognise when there might be something really serious happening. Find out more about how to identify signs.
