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However, research by the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) shows that only half of parents and carers regularly discuss online safety with their children.
A new documentary aims to show not only Australian but international audiences the scale of the escalating threat of child sexual exploitation and abuse posed by the digital world, including through social media platforms.
“The Shadows of the Web – Protecting our children in the digital world” is an evidence-based documentary produced by Sydney-based production studio Blackfisch.
Detective Superintendent Frank Rayner, of the ACCCE, is responsible for triaging reports and referrals and the Centre’s technical capabilities and covert operations, and has more than 25 years’ experience with the AFP.
“Young people trust much more easily and they start to form relationships with people online a lot quicker than most older people. Things like accepting friend requests from strangers or friends of friends is a key way that online abuse and exploitation can begin,” Detective Superintendent Rayner said.
“The documentary explores the growing threat online child sexual abuse and exploitation poses in Australia. It’s a crime that doesn’t stand still because it changes as new technologies emerge, so the documentary looks at the tech industry and the crucial role it has to play in protecting children and young people online.
“We really need the tech companies to be proactive and take steps to minimise the risks that their products may pose.”
In addition to raising awareness of the dangers online, Australia’s response, and the role of tech companies, the documentary also encourages families and the community to have open discussions with the children in their lives about the risks that the internet can present in informed and proactive ways.
Read also: Tech and media influence: Study explores how algorithms affect kids’ access to Australian television
That messaging fits with the Australian Government’s National Office for Child Safety’s ongoing ‘One Talk at a Time’ campaign. Launched in 2023, the campaign urges parents and carers of children and young people to start a conversation and play a proactive role in helping to stop child sexual abuse.
The ChildSafety.gov.au website has a range of resources available to help adults have conversations with children on the topic of child sexual abuse. There are also tools and resources available at eSafety.gov.au, ACCCE.gov.au, and ThinkUKnow.org.au.
“The Shadows of the Web – Protecting our children in the digital world” features a number of leading experts and child sexual abuse advocates from organisations including the Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police, The eSafety Commissioner, ACCCE, Australian Institute of Criminology, The Carly Ryan Foundation, Bravehearts, International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children Australia, Not My Kid, and University of New South Wales.
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