Following detection of the sharing of child exploitation material on the social media platform, Kik, Tasmania Police commenced an investigation and identified a male youth suspect residing in Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET), comprised of the High-Risk Child Exploitation Unit and the Australian Federal Police, executed a search warrant with the assistance of the Community Protection and Offender Reporting (CPOR) team in Southern Tasmania today.
During the search, police examined numerous digital devices, locating a large amount of serious child exploitation material on the youth's mobile phone. As a result, the youth was arrested and charged with possession of child exploitation material. He has been bailed to appear before the court at a later date, and is subject to strict conditions.
Australian children under the age of sixteen are now restricted in their use of social media, including the Kik platform. Tasmania Police urges parents and carers to not rely solely on these restrictions to keep young people safe online. They also recommend following the five top tips from ThinkUKnow:
1. Have open conversations, often
2. Supervision is essential
3. Be approachable if your child needs help
4. Check privacy settings
5. Know how to report
Visit ThinkUKnow for more information about these top tips and more.
Online child abuse is a serious crime. Tasmania Police, with the support of its partners, is committed to stopping these crimes and keeping our children safe. If you have seen inappropriate behaviour online that you suspect is child abuse, report it:
• If the child is in immediate danger, call 000.
• Call 131 444
• Report online to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) https://www.accce.gov.au/report
