Parents to get help on how to talk to kids as alleged Mosman swim school abuser faces charges

Parents whose children came into contact with alleged Sydney pool paedophile Kyle Daniels will be given advice on how to talk to their kids about child sexual abuse at a police-run forum.

• Swim coach Kyle Daniels ‘repeatedly abused’ girl: Court
• Accused swim teacher’s parents ‘in shock’

Parents concerned about child sex abuse will be given advice at police-run forum on how to talk to their children following the arrest of alleged Sydney pool paedophile Kyle Daniels.

The forum next month comes as educators at eight schools and childcare centres which the former Mosman Swim Centre instructor passes on his route to report for bail each day voiced their concerns.

Daniels, 20, a former Knox Grammar School prefect, is accused of molesting eight students under 10 and having sexual intercourse with one. He denies the allegations and says he will defend the charges.

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At the forum, there will be resources available for parents to suggest how to speak to their children about sexual abuse and online grooming.

“These can be discussed with parents on request or information will be available at the forum,” Senior Constable Jenni Brown said.

Staff at one school which is on the route Daniels takes to report to police each day said yesterday they were being “vigilant’’. Northside preschool director Carley Daly, whose centre is just 500m from Daniels’ family home at Balgowlah, said staff were following protocols with the children after discovering he was granted bail last week.

“My staff and I are being vigilant and are aware of the situation. We have a high staff ratio and are following normal protocol,” Ms Daly said.

Within 50 metres of Daniels’ home, which he is not allowed to leave at night, is Kinder Haven Balgowlah.

Daniels outside his home. Picture: John Grainger

And Balgowlah preschool is four blocks away, while St Cecelia’s Catholic Primary school in Wanganella St is 500m away. Children also play rugby in the park opposite his house.

Daniels, who is studying sports and exercise science, has returned to Sydney University and travels there by bus. After the return leg, Daniels’ mother Janine chauffeurs him in her Jeep Cherokee from the bus stop for the last leg of the 500m journey home. His father James Daniels, an advertising creative director, refused to comment on the allegations surrounding their son yesterday. Sydney University released a statement confirming Daniels (pictured) has returned to his studies.

“We have met with Mr Daniels to discuss his return to studies in a way that is safe and appropriate for both for him and our whole University community,” the statement read. “Our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and broader community.

“We are aware of the criminal charges against current student Mr Daniels and are monitoring the progress of the legal proceedings. We understand the circumstances relating to the charges involve conduct outside the University. Our Student Discipline Rule does not extend to non-University related conduct.”

Police will host the forum for concerned parents who live in the lower north shore area at the Mosman Art Gallery main hall on April 4 from 6.30pm. Parents must RSVP to attend to [e-mail].

Parents from outside this area should seek information from their local police.

Apology: A previous version of this story included a photograph of Kyle Daniels’ twin brother Liam. The photo incorrectly identified Liam as his brother Kyle. The Daily Telegraph wishes to apologise to Liam Daniels for the error.

Originally published as Parents to get help on how to talk to kids as alleged Mosman swim school abuser faces charges