Argos investigators recently attended QUT’s High Schools Esport League to share their top tips about online safety. The key message was to be cautious about how much personal information you share as you never really know who you’re talking to online.
While gaming can be fun and have positive social benefits, everyday investigators from Argos, the Queensland Police Service’s specialised unit investigating internet facilitated child exploitation, see the dark side of the internet. Much of what they investigate stems from children being tricked by adults into taking and sharing explicit photos or videos of themselves.
Detective Acting Sergeant Keenan explained the importance of being careful about communicating with strangers online and the lasting consequences of sharing intimate images or video online.
“No matter how much you think you trust someone, if you share an intimate image or video of yourself, you lose complete control as it can easily be copied and shared by others,” Sergeant Keenan said.
Argos Detective Acting Sergeant Keenan (R) speaking with high school esports competitors about safe online gaming.
“Of significant concern is that child sex offenders use gaming and social media platforms, along with manipulative and predatory behaviours to target children.
“Unfortunately Argos have seen many cases where young people think they are talking online with someone their own age, when in reality, it’s an adult child sex offender who has used grooming techniques and potentially sextortion to receive explicit photos or videos from someone under the age of 18.
“Our message to young people in this situation is ..
Support the originator by clicking the read the rest link below.
