Logan City Council today partnered with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to put a spotlight on the importance of online safety for children.
Detective Sergeant Chris Creedon, a senior investigator with Taskforce Argos which tracks down online predators, spoke at a free Council-hosted community symposium at Meadowbrook.
Det Sgt Creedon said it was important to instil good online habits in children when they were young.
"The earlier we start the better," he said.
Det Sgt Creedon said parents need to be aware that technical ability did not always equate to social skills.
He said children often knew how to use devices but did not have the experience to deal with issues that can arise through an online presence.
Det Sgt Creedon said children should personally know everyone on their contact list on their devices or games.
He said they should be able to tell their parents or guardians each person's real name and how they came to know them.
Det Sgt Creedon said it was important for adults to also be aware of internet security and their own online footprint.
Other speakers at the symposium included child protection advocate Hetty Johnston, from the Bravehearts Foundation Ltd; Dr Jacqueline Drew, a senior lecturer with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Griffith Criminology Institute at Griffith University and Young Australian of the Year finalist Nicole Gibson.
The panel of experts spoke about online bullying, child grooming and sexual exploitation.
The Safe City Logan Symposium has been held annually since 2015.
