The program incorporates up-to-date research, real case studies and examples from reports to the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).

The program is pro-technology and addresses topics including self-generated child abuse material, online grooming, sexual extortion, and importantly encourages help-seeking behaviour.

The website contains resources for educators as well as parents and carers and these can be filtered by the age of the child/young person. There are student activity packs, posters, fact sheets and teacher’s toolkits.

Did you know?

• Just over half of parents and carers talk to their children regularly about online safety (Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation)
• ThinkUKnow Australia has been run by the Australian Federal Police for more than 10 years
• ThinkUKnow uses real case studies from the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation

Myth Busters

‘Online child sex offenders are always older males’– FALSE

Online child sex offenders can be any age, gender and from any background. It can be very difficult to verify people are who they say they are online. Always trust your instincts and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviour towards children.

‘High school-aged children are more at risk of online child sexual exploitation’– FALSE

Anyone under the age of 18 can be a victim of online child sexual exploitation. Research from the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation found that more than two thirds of parents believe teenage children are more at risk of online child sexual exploitation. This is not the case.

‘Parental controls and privacy settings are enough to keep children and young people safe online’– FALSE

Multiple strategies are recommended for online safety. There is no ‘quick fix’ when it comes to online safety or protecting your child from harm. A complete approach includes using both technology settings as well as open conversations with children and about what they do online.

Get Help

• If you are concerned about the possibility that your child or a child you know is at risk, act on it and report it appropriately.
• If you think a child is in immediate danger call 000
• If you prefer to report anonymously, you can visit Crime Stoppers Australia – Your Community, Your Call or call their toll-free number 1800 333 000.
• Online child sexual exploitation can be reported to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation: Report abuse | ACCCE.

Resources

• Resources | ThinkUKnow
• Support | ThinkUKnow
• For parents, carers and educators | ThinkUKnow