Closing The Net | Australian Federal Police

Research conducted by the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) in 2020 has shown that in Australia today, only around half of all parents talk to their children about online safety. 50% of parents don’t know what to do to keep their kids safe online. Just 3% of parents are concerned about online grooming. And sadly, most believe online child sexual exploitation is too repulsive to even think about.

‘Closing The Net’ is working to change that, showcasing that knowledge is power and that our only chance to eradicate this issue is if we bring a ‘whole-of-community’ response.

‘Closing The Net’ is a podcast series that for the very first time takes you inside the world of the AFP and those policing the ‘borderless crime’ of online child sexual exploitation.

Episode guide and transcripts

Hosted by respected Australian actor, Rodger Corser and Caroline Craig, the podcast highlights the work of the ACCCE, which is leading a collaborative response to pursue and prosecute offenders in this crime type and also to remove children from harm.

Throughout the series, listeners will meet some incredible people who dedicate their lives to ending this horrendous crime type – people who work tirelessly to track down and bring online child sex offenders to justice and to protect children, plus those who have a commitment to preventing abuse through education and by providing tools, knowledge and resources.

The series provides listeners with an understanding of what constitutes online exploitation and just how easily children can be targeted by anyone from anywhere. It also contains tips and advice for parents and carers around how to protect kids online, as well as how to identify and report offensive online behaviour.

Although some listeners may find parts of the content confronting, these are stories that need to be told. The issues they raise need to be acknowledged and talked about by parents, carers, teachers and community members.

Episode 1

Stopping online child sex offenders and protecting children from harm is what drives the women and men of the ACCCE. The world’s best child protection minds explain online child sexual exploitation, and what it will take to end it. Australia’s law enforcement and other government agencies work hand in glove to inform legislation,enforce harsh laws, and educate the community.

Episode 2

It’s now easier than ever for our children and young people to receive inappropriate contact via online devices, apps and games. Understand what constitutes online exploitation and how easily children can be targeted. Busting myths and stereotypes is a key in community awareness of this crime type.

Closing The Net – Episode 2, What You Don’t Know May Hurt You (transcript)

Episode 3

Not all online child sex offenders are adults. Sexual exploitation by peers and image based abuse are rife issues in the technology and platforms we use every day. The youth of today do not differentiate between ‘the online world’ and ‘the real world’. How can carers adapt their approach to help them navigate the challenges they will invariably face?

Closing The Net – Episode 3, I’m Just a Kid (transcript)

Episode 4

What motivates an online child sex offender and how can law enforcement use that information to help protect our kids? Forensic psychologists are utilised in the fight against online child sex offenders, to ascertain the reason behind their actions in order to deter and prevent such crimes in the future.

Closing The Net – Episode 4, Offensive Behaviour (transcript)

Episode 5

Some families are torn apart by the death of a child. Others are galvanised by it and turn their grief into hope for others. Hear from some of Australia’s most courageous people, who’ve been through the rigmarole of online child sexual exploitation, and from the inspired bunch who have dedicated their lives to working and campaigning for the protection of all children.

Closing The Net – Episode 5, Turning Grief into Hope (transcript)

Episode 6

Knowing more about technology and about what is and isn’t appropriate online is critical to protecting our kids online. Market research suggests there is a vast amount of work to be done to educate children and carers alike. The ACCCE is a complex capability that brings together expertise from across the globe.

Closing The Net – Episode 6, Knowledge is Power (transcript)

Episode 7

Go inside the ACCCE with those who work tirelessly to protect children from harm and bring child sex offenders to justice. The ACCCE drives a collaborative national response to counter online child sexual exploitation. With the help of world leading personnel and capabilities, the ACCCE houses teams to triage reports, identify victims, build and enhance technology, inform prevention initiatives and target offenders.

Closing The Net – Episode 7, Prevent, Prepare, Pursue and Protect (transcript)

Episode 8

If a child discloses online abuse to you, how should you support them and where should you go to report the abuse? The ACCCE and the eSafety Commissioner process reports that relate to online child sexual exploitation. Find out how they operate, what their challenges are, how to report effectively, and the process that sees report turn into law enforcement action.

Closing The Net – Episode 8, The Good Fight (transcript)

Episode 9

Bringing an end to online child sexual exploitation requires a collaborative international response, and Australia is leading the charge. The internet has profoundly changed the way in which we communicate, and has successfully enabled us to connect with each other from anywhere in the world. This, unfortunately, enables online child sex offenders to work anonymously in networks and provides a challenge like no other crime type. Evolving technology and a relentless collaborative effort to stamp these offenders out, has set us on a path to end online child sexual exploitation.

Closing The Net – Episode 9, The Borderless Crime (transcript)

Episode 10

Australia’s law enforcement agencies are working to stay one step ahead of online offenders and ultimately wipe them out. Informed and dedicated leadership meets worldclass expertise. The global effort to end online child exploitation is fuelled by the belief that there is an achievable end game.

Closing The Net – Episode 10, Target Zone (transcript)

Closing The Net - Season 1

Episode guide and transcripts

Listen and subscribe