According to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), child exploitation rose by 122 per cent this year.
Today, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation has released a new suite of resources on Safe Bedrooms to give you the tools to recognise signs of danger and lock predators out.
Safe Bedrooms provides information for parents and carers on how to recognise online grooming and offers a range of resources for children and young people to understand grooming and the ways in which it differs from healthy relationships.
Detective Inspector Glen Donaldson from the Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group encourages parents to have a serious conversation with their kids regarding their safety.
"Nothing is so bad that you can't confide in a trusted adult," Detective Inspector Donaldson said.
"Parents need to educate themselves to see what they can do to proactively keep their kids safe.
"I encourage you to have non-judgemental conversations with your child, share their online world and report any concerns to police."
What is grooming?
When someone builds a friendship with a child, in order to trick them, take advantage of them or abuse them. Grooming can happen in person, online or be a combination of both.
What if I need help?
If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
- Policelink - 131 444
- Crime Stoppers - 1800 333 000
- Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
- Bravehearts - 1800 272 831
- Headspace
Protect your child against online grooming:
- Talk openly: Have regular conversations with your child. Try to remain non-judgemental.
- Share their online world: Reinforce the many positives to technology and the online world. Be a 'friend' or 'follower' on your child's social media accounts.
- Report any concerns: Call the police immediately if you think your child is at risk.
For more information, visit https://danielmorcombe.com.au/safe-bedrooms/.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
