The AFP is urging parents who are buying internet-enabled devices for their children this Christmas to install safety features and talk to their children about how to stay safe online.

AFP Human Exploitation Commander Helen Schneider said the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) recorded a spike in reports of offenders preying on children online during holiday periods.

“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,’’ Commander Schneider 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.

“These safeguards are 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.

“The AFP-led ThinkUKnow website has 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.

Jack Changes the Game tells the story of a boy who is groomed online but, with the help of his parents and friends, fights back and teaches himself and his friends a valuable lesson along the way.

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 per cent from the previous year.

Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or  report it to the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.

If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available.

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. We recommend implementing this where possible, however keep in mind these can sometimes be changed, so we also suggest a regular privacy ‘check-up’ 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.