What is online child sexual exploitation?
Online child sexual exploitation is the use of technology or the internet to sexually exploit a child or create or share child sexual abuse material.
Child sexual abuse material is also called child sexual exploitation material. It refers to the recording of the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child or young person. This can include images, videos, or live-streamed content that depict real children or young persons.
Teachers guide
Public Safety Canada have a developed a detailed toolkit for schools that can be adapted for New Zealand educators. It includes lessons plans and resources around sharing nudes, grooming, sexting and sextortion.
Videos
The Department of Internal Affairs website has more information about child sexual abuse material and child sexual exploitation online.
Posters and factsheets
Wellstop recommend that educators look out for the following warning signs that a child may have experienced sexual abuse. It’s important to remember that one sign alone doesn't mean that a child was or is being sexually abused. However, when multiple signs are seen together you should seek help.
Reporting
- The Covert Online Investigation team is a specialist Police unit that protects children from online abuse. If you are concerned about physical offending, grooming or sextortion, see How to report a crime or incident.
- The NZ Customs Service investigates cross-border child sexual exploitation. You can report this crime type on customs.govt.nz/report or on 0800 WE PROTECT.
- You can contact Netsafe for help and advice by free texting ‘Netsafe’ to 4282, or free phoning 0508 NETSAFE.
- The Department of Internal Affairs Digital Child Exploitation Team investigates complaints and prosecutes people who collect and distribute child abuse material online. You can report objectionable material on their website.