Dunedin Police have arrested a 22-year-old local man following reports of someone posing as a young person online, to deceive other young people into sending them sexualised content.
"It is important Kiwi parents know that unfortunately this offending does happen in New Zealand, and that they need to take steps to keep their kids safe online," says Detective Sergeant Reece Munro, Dunedin CIB.
Regularly having conversations with your children about keeping themselves safe online is a good place to start.
"The advice to young people and parents is to remain vigilant online and be 100 per cent sure of who you are communicating with and befriending online,” says Detective Sergeant Munro.
If you suspect your child is being contacted by, or messaging with an adult posing as a child, report it via Netsafe or to Police via 105.
Ask a trusted adult for help as soon as you can if you think this is happening to you. This may be a parent or caregiver, a friend, Police, Teacher or School Guidance Counsellor.
More resources are available to support families at https://www.keepitrealonline.govt.nz/.
“Our initial enquiries suggest that there are a number of victims in New Zealand, and potentially other jurisdictions as well,” says Detective Sergeant Reece Munro.
Support is being provided to those that have reported this behaviour and Police encourage anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending to reach out to us, or other support services who can help.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.