Get Help, Report and Support
If your child experiences inappropriate contact or is the victim of online child sexual exploitation, it is essential you know what to do and how to get help.
This section provides information and facilities to help you report harmful or criminal activities that occur online.
This information is for people who live in Australia only.
For advice on reporting these issues from another country, please visit the Virtual Global Taskforce.
Report
Report online child sexual exploitation to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation
If a child is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
What you need to make a report
1. Collect evidence
If you need to make a report, collect screenshots or photos of the interaction and the user’s profile. It is important to do this before blocking or deleting the user or you may lose the chat content.
2. Block
Inappropriate or unwanted contact.
3. Report
Unwanted contact or behaviours and seek support. Online matters that don’t require a police response can also be reported to the platform where the issue occurred. Most platforms have a ‘help’ section that explains how to report or make a complaint.
Education and support services
Created to promote internet safety, the Carly Ryan Foundation provides support to families and the community through education, counselling, engagement, promotion and advocacy.
The Foundation cares for children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence, and runs evidence-based programs that prevent violence and advocate for children's safety and wellbeing.
A child protection organisation, Bravehearts’ national information and support line can be accessed by anyone wanting information or support relating to child sexual assault.
A network of education representatives that work together to help schools to create learning environments where every student and school community member is safe, supported, respected and valued.
A national youth mental health organisation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing.
An online mental health service for young people and their parents. They provide specially targeted information to help any young person who visits the service.
A national service that provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Resources
Children’s education services
ACT Policing's Constable Kenny Koala program is designed to educate children between three to 12 years of age on a range of safety themes, and to encourage them to turn to police for help and advice.
OTHER Reporting Services
A national online system that allows the public to securely report instances of cybercrime. It also provides advice to help people recognise and avoid common types of cybercrime.
REPORT – CYBERCRIME
The eSafety Commissioner is responsible for promoting online safety for all Australians. Its remit includes providing a complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying, identifying and removing illegal online content and image-based abuse material. The eSafety Commissioner also provides audience-specific content to help educate all Australians about online safety including young people, women, teachers, parents, seniors and community groups.
REPORT – INAPPROPRIATE OR ILLEGAL CONTENT
REPORT – CYBERBULLYING
ScamWatch is run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.