New website ensures “it’s never too late” to protect children from online abuse.

National childhood trauma recovery charity, Australian Childhood Foundation, has launched a new website — https://www.nevertoolate.org.au/ — designed to help adults keep the children and young people in their lives safe online.

Recognising that online child sexual abuse and exploitation is a major threat to children and young people, Australian Childhood Foundation reports there are 2.88 million registered accounts on 10 dark web communities sharing and trading child sexual abuse material.

At any time, it is estimated there are approximately 750,000 individuals looking to connect with children and young people with the intent to sexually abuse or exploit them.

The Foundation’s own recent research reveals that 71% of children are spending more time on the internet on their own, while more than a third of parents are worried about how to protect them from being exploited.

In launching the website, the CEO of the Australian Childhood Foundation, Dr Joe Tucci, says “Our aim is to help adults in the lives of children and young people better understand what online child sexual abuse and exploitation is, and to also understand what actionable steps they can take to combat the issue.”

The site explains the concept of “safety circles” — all the safe relationships that children and young people have with their family, friends, teachers, coaches and other important people in their lives — and helps adults understand where they may sit in a child or young person’s safety circles.

“Children feel safe when they feel understood, listened to and that the people in their lives understand what they need, what upsets them and what helps them to feel better,” the Foundation says. “Providing a safe online environment relies on the same principles as in any environment. It’s the relationships we have with children that enable them to be safe.”

The site also features an animated case study (Claire’s Story), narrated by Australian Childhood Foundation Ambassador and award-winning actor Georgie Parker, which illustrates how easily online child sexual abuse and exploitation can occur.

“We want to open up a conversation that is often swept under the carpet because it is uncomfortable to think about,” says Dr Tucci.

“It might feel difficult or hard to fathom but really, it’s never too late to support the children in your life.”

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