Police are reminding the community that keeping children safe on the internet is as important as keeping them safe on the roads, in schools and out with friends.
Does your child have a phone, virtual reality device, iPad or tablet, laptop, computer, Xbox, PlayStation 4 or 5, or Nintendo Switch?
These can all be connected to the internet, which makes it easier for online cyber criminals to engage with your children. It’s vital to set up your devices to protect your information.
There are many people out there looking for ways to target child online. They appear to empathise with children and build a rapport with them.
Many of these cyber criminals pretend to be the same age. Children should only chat with people online you have met in person.
When a child is learning to cross a street, an adult will take time to assist and guide the child on how to cross the street safely. This is no different than teaching your child to use the internet safely.
If your child has been talking to a stranger online for an unusually long time, this should spark your interest as to who they are talking to.
There is no difference between a stranger chatting to a child on the street for hours to a child chatting with a stranger online for several hours. They are both concerning.
“It is very important to educate children to not answer these trigger questions, such as where do you live, what is your name or where do you go to school, and never agree to meet up with someone you have met online,” Senior Constable Rebecca McMeniman said.
Be mindful as to what photos are uploaded to social media. Children can be identified by posting photos of themselves in school uniform, sports club uniform or at an easily identifiable landmark.
Be aware that information they have shared with friends may be posted on their friends’ socials.
Primary and secondary schools can register for a Think U Know presentation, a program produced by the Australian Federal Police to prevent online child sexual exploitation. It is delivered locally by specially trained Sunshine Coast police officers.
This column is compiled by the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day at Queensland Police – Reporting.
You can also report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at Crime Stoppers.
