Online child sexual exploitation. It’s not a comfortable subject, but one that’s important for all parents to be aware of. Online sexual child exploitation is the use of technology or the internet to facilitate the sexual abuse of a child. Behind every image or video there is a real victim being exploited.
While it’s a subject that is confronting and very hard to hear about, these stories need to be told. We have to be open about these issues if we have any hope of ending this horrific crime. This year alone, the AFP have arrested and charged more than 200 people with about 2000 child abuse related offences.
A new podcast is helping to bring online child sexual exploitation out of the shadows and into our awareness. Produced by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, ‘Closing the Net’ is a ten-part podcast series hosted by Australian actor, Rodger Corser.
It shares insights from a range of experts as well as those who have experienced the trauma associated with online child sexual exploitation first-hand. You will get an understanding of what constitutes online child sexual exploitation, hear tips and advice on how to protect kids online and information on how to identify and report offensive online behaviours. You can find the series on all major podcast platforms – just search the name ‘Closing the Net’ to find it.
For more information on online child sexual exploitation, visit the ACCCE website for advice and support: www.accce.gov.au.
