Parents and children warned by police after an increase in online child exploitation

A spike in teenagers being exploited for money after sending explicit images of themselves online has caused police to warn families of the dangers of anonymous online interactions.

Victoria Police warning to parents and children about increase in online child exploitation. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Children as young as 14 are being targeted by offshore offenders, tricking kids into sending intimate images of themselves before attempting to financially exploit them.

Parents and children are being warned to monitor online behaviour to stay safe, as police note a “marked increase” in reporting of child sexual exploitation online.

Detectives from the joint task force known as the Victorian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET), made up of both Victoria Police officers and AFP investigators, have urged parents to engage in conversation with their children around online safety.

Parents are being encouraged to help children understand issues of coercion, and what to do if children find themselves in situations that make them feel uncomfortable.

It comes after police received reports from more than 100 families of instances where children, particularly teenage boys, were being coerced into sending explicit images of themselves and then later being bribed for money.

Police warn parents that offenders most often come into contact with victims through social media platforms, masquerading as young girls of a similar age to their targets.

After cultivating a friendship with their victims, often through flattery or the pretence of a romantic ‘relationship’, offenders will then send intimate images claiming to be of themselves, in turn tricking their victims to send their own sexualised photos back.

Once the victim has sent their own photos, the offender threatens to expose these images to the family and friends of the victim, making monetary demands, through either cash transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Even if victims pay the demanded bribe, offenders still distribute the images.

Police believe offenders are not known to the victims, and are mostly operating offshore.

Investigators have urged the public to come forward and report similar concerning online behaviour.

Support, respect, courtesy and dignity are being offered to anyone who decides to come forward.

Police believe inappropriate and coercive online behaviour goes under reported, due to embarrassment, shame, victims feeling unsure if an offence has even occurred, or being afraid they won’t be believed.

Detective Acting Inspector Carla McIntyre urged parents to “be brave”.

“Please have the conversation with the young person in your life about this type of offending,” she said.

“Let them know how it happens, that it’s not their fault, and there is absolutely nothing to feel embarrassed about.”

Insp McIntyre encouraged parents to “create an environment where they feel they can be supported”.

“The psychological anguish of this type of offending can have a significant impact on young people,” she said.

To the victims, Insp McIntyre said they should know they “aren’t alone.”

“This is happening to other people and police can and will help you,” she said.

“Support is available to you.”

“It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant you make think it is – something that may appear small could later prove vital in an investigation.”

Police have provided resources for victims, including reporting and support services:

Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) online blackmail and sexual extortion response kit

ThinkUKnow

eSafety Commissioner

NAPCAN

Bravehearts

If you have been abused or have any information relating to the abuse or exploitation of children, report it immediately.

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