Australian parents are being urged to remain vigilant this festive season as child safety experts reveal sophisticated new methods predators are using to groom children online. The Christmas period, when children often receive new devices and spend more time online, has become a prime target for offenders seeking to exploit vulnerable young people.
How predators exploit the holiday season
According to leading child protection organization ySafe, predators are increasingly using gaming platforms and social media to build trust with children during the Christmas break. Jordan Foster, ySafe's clinical psychologist and cyber expert, explains that offenders deliberately target this time of year when children have more free time and may be using new devices received as gifts.
"We see a significant increase in reports of grooming and predatory behaviour during the school holidays, particularly around Christmas," Foster stated. "Children are often given new tablets, phones, or gaming consoles as presents, and predators know this is when young people are most active and curious online."
The grooming process revealed
Experts have identified a clear pattern in how predators operate. The process typically begins on popular gaming platforms where offenders pose as fellow players of similar age. They gradually build rapport with children before moving conversations to more private messaging apps.
Predators often use a method called 'love bombing' - showering children with excessive compliments and attention to quickly establish an emotional connection. This technique makes children feel special and understood, creating a bond that can be difficult for them to break.
Foster emphasizes that parents should be particularly alert to warning signs including: children becoming secretive about their online activities, spending increasing amounts of time in their rooms, showing emotional distress after being online, and having online 'friends' they've never met in person.
Practical protection strategies for parents
Child safety experts recommend several practical steps parents can take to protect their children during the holiday period and beyond. Open communication remains the most powerful tool in preventing online exploitation.
"Have regular, non-judgmental conversations with your children about their online activities," Foster advises. "Ask them about the games they're playing and the people they're interacting with. Make sure they understand that not everyone online is who they claim to be."
Additional protective measures include:
- Keeping devices in common family areas rather than bedrooms
- Setting clear boundaries around screen time and online interactions
- Educating children about never sharing personal information or photos with strangers
- Using parental controls and monitoring apps appropriately
- Teaching children how to recognize and report suspicious behaviour
Foster stresses that while technology can be helpful, parental engagement and education are ultimately more effective than relying solely on monitoring software. "The most important thing is maintaining an open dialogue where children feel comfortable coming to you if something makes them uncomfortable online," she said.
As Australian families prepare for Christmas celebrations, child safety organizations are encouraging parents to include online safety in their holiday planning. By staying informed and engaged with children's digital lives, families can help ensure the festive season remains a time of joy and connection rather than vulnerability and risk.
