Police on the Mid North Coast are reminding parents and children of the dangers of social media after charging numerous people in recent weeks over inappropriate communications with children.
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The most recent incident saw a 20-year old Kempsey male charged with using a carriage service (telecommunications service) to send indecent material to person under 16 and possess child abuse material.
Police allege he used the chat functions within the apps to communicate indecently with children, solicit child exploitation material and to send indecent images.
These offenders are contacting children and young persons through mobile phone applications and social media networks.
There are proactive steps that parents and guardians can take, NSW police said in a statement.
“Police encourage parents and guardians to know the apps and games their children are using, supervise their children online and talk with their children about online safety,” the statement said.
“Ask your child to show you what they look at online, discuss the risks involved. Look at their profile, and the list of friends. Are you comfortable with what is on display?”
Remember that access to social networking sites can also be done via mobile phones.