With online gaming a big part of many young people's lives, it is important for young gamers and parents to be aware of the risks of virtual interactions, including the dangers of grooming.
Argos investigators recently attended QUT's High Schools Esport League to share their top tips about online safety. The key message was to be cautious about how much personal information you share as you never really know who you're talking to online.
While gaming can be fun and have positive social benefits, everyday investigators from Argos, the Queensland Police Service's specialised unit investigating internet facilitated child exploitation, see the dark side of the internet. Much of what they investigate stems from children being tricked by adults into taking and sharing explicit photos or videos of themselves.
Detective Acting Sergeant Keenan explained the importance of being careful about communicating with strangers online and the lasting consequences of sharing intimate images or video online.
"No matter how much you think you trust someone, if you share an intimate image or video of yourself, you lose complete control as it can easily be copied and shared by others," Sergeant Keenan said.
"Of significant concern is that child sex offenders use gaming and social media platforms, along with manipulative and predatory behaviours to target children.
"Unfortunately Argos have seen many cases where young people think they are talking online with someone their own age, when in reality, it's an adult child sex offender who has used grooming techniques and potentially sextortion to receive explicit photos or videos from someone under the age of 18.
"Our message to young people in this situation is know that it is not your fault and help is available. Nothing is so bad that you can't tell a trusted adult," Detective Sergeant Keenan said.
What can young people do?
- Be cautious about who you're interacting with online. Understand that predators ask personal questions and attempt to become friendly quickly. They may try to contact you frequently, in different ways.
- Sharing personal information or images puts you at risk. Avoid using real names, phone numbers, or sharing photos, passwords or personal information.
- If something goes wrong: stay calm, take screenshots, block the person and report inappropriate contact. Importantly, make sure you talk to parents or a trusted adult.
- Online grooming should be reported to police, image-based abuse can be reported to eSafety.
- Kids Helpline can offer support.
What can parents do?
- Have open, regular and non-judgmental conversations about who your child might be interacting with online.
- Educate yourself and be aware of what games and online chat services your child is using.
- Where possible keep all internet capable devices in common family areas.
- Check privacy settings on accounts and consider whether the chat function enabled on games is necessary. The eSafety Guide provides practical information about the latest games and apps, including security and connectivity options.
- Teach your child to be alert to signs of grooming and inappropriate contact. Check out the resources below for more information on how to start the chat.
- Report grooming to police. Image-based abuse can be reported to eSafety.
Further information
Reporting
- For life threatening emergencies or a crime in progress call triple zero (ooo).
- To report information to police call Policelink 131 444.
- If a person has been the victim of image-based abuse, it can also be reported to eSafety Commissioner who will work with the technology providers to attempt to remove the images.
Resources and advice
- Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
- Bravehearts - 1800 272 831
- eSafety Commissioner a key partner of the QPS in enhancing online safety, with a comprehensive suite of information, resources and reporting tools to ensure children have a safe experience online.
- Who's chatting to your kids? Further QPS advice and information about reducing online risks for children.
- Out of the dark #doiknowu a campaign by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) supported by the QPS and Department of Education, providing resources to help young people stay safe online.
- Think U Know is a partnership between Australian Federal Police, Commonwealth Bank, Datacom, Microsoft, State and Territory Police and Neighbourhood Watch. It provides information on topics including sexting, cyber bullying, online child exploitation, online privacy, and what to do when something goes wrong.
