The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety. It educates Australians about online safety risks and helps to remove harmful content. eSafety is committed to making the online world a safer, more positive place for everyone especially for children. To support this work, eSafety has released new resources aimed at helping parents, carers and organisations that work with families. One of the key areas of focus within these resources is addressing child sexual abuse online. 

Online child sexual abuse is a growing concern in Australia, affecting children of all ages – from toddlers to teenagers. This abuse can take many forms, including non-consensual sharing of intimate images, tech-facilitated child sexual abuse, sexual extortion and the grooming of a child with the intention to abuse them online or in person.    

Worryingly, statistics reveal that 11% of Australian teens aged 14-17 have reported being solicited sexually online. The consequences can be immediate and severe, leading to distress, shame and a sense of helplessness.  

These figures highlight a reality that can be difficult to face; online child abuse is more prevalent than many realise. It’s easy to believe these dangers are distant or unlikely, but the truth is they can affect any family.  

The good news is that online child sexual abuse is preventable. eSafety’s research shows that when we strengthen the support systems around children – at home, in schools, and within communities – we give them the best chance to stay safe online.  

Think of it like teaching a child to ride a bike. Just as we teach children to wear a helmet, balance, and stay alert for obstacles, we must prepare and protect children before they start navigating the online world on their own.  

As your partner in online safety, eSafety has the resources you need to keep children safe online. And, as a regulator, we will continue to hold tech companies accountable to stop abuse before it happens by making platforms safer.  

How parents and carers can make a difference 

As the first line of defence, parents and carers play a crucial role in safeguarding children’s online lives. We understand these issues can be tough to tackle, however, being informed and proactive is the best way to protect your children from these risks.

To support parents and carers, eSafety has developed new resources that provide practical advice on having these conversations in age-appropriate ways. These resources guide you through key actions, like discussing who your child connects with online and staying aware of how they use their devices. You’ll find practical tips, videos and resources to make these conversations easier.  

You can find these new resources at eSafety.gov.au/parents.

Keeping children safe online in communities

Community organisations, services and practices can play a key role in protecting children and young people from online risks by building safety into their own operations and activities. Creating environments where children feel safe to seek help and mobilising the broader community to recognise and respond to these risks.

To help you promote online safety in your community we’ve launched our Keeping children safe online in communities’ hub! It’s your one-stop shop for all the resources, tips, and advice you need to safeguard children from online harm. It includes a reflection tool to helps organisations, services and practices to assess risks and plan a holistic approach to online safety.   

You can find these resources at eSafety.gov.au/communities/child-safe-communities 

Reporting online harm 

The best way to get urgent help for child sexual abuse, including grooming and sexual extortion, is to report what’s happened to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE). For further support, contact the Bravehearts information and support line. You can also find more resources and contact details for support services at the National Office for Child Safety.

To have harmful online content removed, including child sexual abuse or exploitation material, go to eSafety.gov.au/report. You’ll find information on what can be reported and how to have it removed.