The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has called on parents to prioritise online safety when gifting internet-enabled devices to children this Christmas.
With holiday seasons often seeing a surge in predators targeting minors, the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is encouraging families to take extra precautions.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider warned that popular gadgets are not only a favourite among children but also attract individuals seeking to exploit them.
It is important to enable safety features on devices, install external protective apps, and, most importantly, have open conversations with children about online risks.
“No amount of technology will replace the protection provided by starting an honest dialogue about online safety,” she said.
Parents are encouraged to utilise the ThinkUKnow website, which provides practical advice and resources. Among its offerings is a free e-book, Jack Changes the Game, which educates children about the dangers of online grooming through gaming platforms.
Rising Reports of Exploitation
The ACCCE recorded more than 58,000 reports of online child abuse or exploitation in the 2023-24 financial year, a 45 percent increase from the previous year.This surge underscores the need for vigilance, especially during the festive season when children are more likely to be online with new devices.
Commander Schneider urged anyone with information about suspected child exploitation to report it to Crime Stoppers or the ACCCE.
If abuse is happening in real-time or a child is at immediate risk, authorities should be contacted directly via emergency services.
A recent case highlights the dangers children face online.
In November, a 25-year-old man from New South Wales was sentenced to 16 years in prison for soliciting child abuse material from 24 victims, aged between nine and 15, via online chat platforms.
Some of the manipulative tactics employed include befriending victims under false pretences and requesting explicit material.
Festive Season Scams
Alongside concerns about child exploitation, Scamwatch has issued a warning about a rise in online shopping scams during Christmas and Boxing Day sales.There has been an increase in scam websites that mimic trusted brands, offering goods at significantly discounted prices to lure unsuspecting shoppers.
The National Anti-Scam Centre reported that half of these websites removed in the past three months involved online shopping scams.
It typically results in financial loss for consumers, with no goods delivered.
The festive season has become a prime time for these operations, as consumers are eager to secure bargains online.
There are several red flags for identifying scams, including websites offering goods at unusually low prices, vague or overly positive reviews, and missing terms and conditions or privacy policies.
Scammers often request payment through unconventional methods such as multiple PayIDs, pre-loaded cards, or untraceable bank transfers.
Once a shopper enters their details on a fraudulent site, they not only lose their money but also risk exposing sensitive personal and financial information.
The AFP and Scamwatch are urging consumers to scrutinise websites carefully, use trusted payment platforms, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
