By Melissa Meehan
It’s not every day that Australian Federal Police release a children’s book.
But it tells an important story and will hopefully help children become aware of the dangers of online grooming.
The first-of-its-kind picture book ’Jack Changes the Game’, written by Tess Rowley and illustrated by Shannon Horsfall, has been developed by the AFP’s ThinkUKnow program, in partnership with the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) .
The book is based on a real report to the ACCCE and gives age-appropriate advice on how to recognise online child sexual exploitation, including online grooming, and how to take action and make a report to police.
In the book, Jack meets a new online friend called ‘Footy Boy’ through his favourite game.
But soon, ‘Footy Boy’ starts asking for things that make Jack feel uneasy and he begins to wonder if his new friend is the person he claims to be.
With the support of his sister and friend, Jack finds the courage to tell his parents and together they make a report to the ACCCE and implement online safety measures at home.
AFP acting Assistant Commissioner Hilda Sirec said the book was a powerful resource and one that will help families around Australia begin important conversations.
“Around half of parents and carers regularly talk to their child about online safety. With children spending more time online, it’s important we teach them about safe practices and encourage help seeking behaviours,” acting Assistant Commissioner Sirec said.
“Jack Changes the Game has been created as a resource to start conversations with 5 to 8 year olds in a simple, yet effective way,” acting Assistant Commissioner Sirec said.
A reference group comprising four of Australia’s leading experts in education and child protection was engaged to provide subject matter expertise and guidance on the development of the book.
Professor Kerryann Walsh from the School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education at the Queensland University of Technology said that children’s books were an effective education tool.
“One of the great things about children’s picture books is that they involve adults and children in a shared reading experience where everyone can learn about new things together.”
“Jack Changes the Game provides adults with very useful tips on how to talk to children about online safety and in particular, about online grooming.”
Dr Andrea Baldwin, Service Development Leader at the Queensland Centre for Perinatal & Infant Mental Health, said that stories about children are a great way to engage children.
“Jack learns to cope with a threatening situation and to put trust in his family, the police and other adults. Unfortunately children Jack’s age are a target and there aren’t many resources around empowering children themselves to stay safe online.”
Professor Susan Edwards, Director Early Childhood Futures at the Australian Catholic University, said Jack Changes the Game is a much needed book and important resource for children, families and schools.
“We know that children are active on the internet and we know that as adults we really should do our very best to support and educate them around the practices that will help keep them safe.”
Survivor of child sexual abuse, author and advocate Kelly Humphries said the book was an intervention for young children at a key age.
“It is an opportunity. A vessel for parents, teachers, caregivers, or anyone to have these tough conversations through a non-confrontational, relatable medium.”
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/report. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.
