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Police are urging parents to remain vigilant to help their kids stay safe online after the recent sentencing of a man who tried to con children into sending sexualised content.
The 23-year-old Dunedin man was sentenced to three years in prison last week after posing as a young person to deceive children.
Detective Sergeant Reece Munro said the sentencing was a reminder that this offending continues and parents should ensure they help to keep their kids safe online.
The victim's strength and bravery in bringing this man to justice could not be overstated, he said.
"We want parents to be alert of the possible risks, but not alarmed."
Instead, police recommended parents educated themselves about the [www.keepitrealonline.govt.nz possible risks] so they could have regular and open conversations with their children and promote health online habits.
Sunday marks New Zealand Children's Day with online safety organisation Netsafe and Save the Children launching a survey to help children share their online experiences.
The anonymous online survey - https://form.jotform.com/250410514431037 - asks children to share their experiences of using the internet including social media and gaming, and what they believe would make it a safer space for children.
It is open to everyone aged 5-18 with the results being shared with decision makers, parents and teachers to better understand how to support young people online.
Save the Children New Zealand's Director of Advocacy and Research Jacqui Southey said an 'adults know best' approach was often taken but children should be part of the conversation.
"The internet is a big part of life for many tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa, but adults don't always understand what it's really like for them," she said
"The views and opinions of young people matter - they know best the experiences they are having online, and what actions decision makers could take to make it a more fun and safe experience."
Netsafe chief executive Brent Carey said the survey asked for their input and guidance around how internet safety could be improved.
"Children are often told by adults what will make their experiences online better but rarely asked to contribute to this important conversation around internet safety," he said.
"Hearing directly from them about their experience and advice for decision makers will help inform our own efforts to ensure the internet is a safer space for everyone."
Police advice for parents and caregivers:
- Supervision is essential: This means knowing what your children are doing online, who they are interacting with, and what platforms, apps, or games they are using
- Check privacy settings: We recommend parents and caregivers research and understand app settings, including privacy settings. This can include turning off location settings, setting profiles to private, or turning off chat functions
- Long term impact: Offenders will often use tactics such as fear or shame to manipulate young people, and make them feel alienated or trapped, like they cannot escape the situation. These situations can be very distressing and can have long term impacts and need to be addressed appropriately
- Report suspicious behaviour: Make a report and seek help and support.
Police advice for victims:
- Stop talking to the offender and avoid sending any more images or videos - even if they are threatening you. Once you have complied with their demands, there is nothing preventing them from targeting you again
- Save all the online chat, immediately take screenshots. This is important for making a report to the Police, we need all the evidence that you can gather
- Report the content and person's profile to the platform and request the content is removed
- Block the profile.
Where to report offending:
To report any offending to Police, please call 111 in an emergency, and for non-emergencies, online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking "Make a Report" or by calling 105.
If you would like advice and support from Netsafe, text 'Netsafe' to 4282 or call for free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723).
