Snapchat is collaborating with the Australian Federal Police-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) to launch an educational initiative aimed at protecting teenagers from online grooming and sextortion.

This initiative seeks to equip young Australians and their parents with the necessary knowledge to identify and respond to these online threats.

The campaign involves a series of educational content developed by Australian creators Lambros Army, Millie K, Kailash Sarma, Ali Daddo, and Matty Acton. This content will be disseminated through social media posts and Snapchat videos, providing tips and information sourced from the ACCCE. The initiative targets both teenagers and their parents, aiming to help them recognise the signs of online grooming and sextortion.

Online grooming is defined as an adult building a relationship with a minor to persuade them into sexual activity, while sextortion involves deceiving someone into sharing a sexual image and subsequently blackmailing them. The campaign reassures teenagers that these situations are not their fault and offers guidance on how to regain control.

Special guides for teenagers and parents will be made available on the ACCCE website, providing further resources and information. The initiative also focuses on educating parents about recognising the signs of online grooming and sextortion and how to effectively respond.

Snapchat's Family Centre tools are highlighted as a means for parents to monitor their teenager's interactions on the platform. Additionally, Snapchat has safety and privacy settings enabled by default for users aged 13 to 17, further enhancing the safety measures in place.

Global Head of Platform Safety at Snap Inc., Jacqueline Beauchere, emphasised the importance of equipping teens and parents with the skills needed to navigate digital spaces safely. "With so much of our lives spent online, it’s important for teens and parents to feel equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to help them navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly. Regular, open conversations about online activities can help foster safer digital experiences while providing an open channel to raise any challenges or concerns. I’d encourage all families to use our Family Centre tools to help make these conversations a little easier," Beauchere stated.

Commander Human Exploitation at the ACCCE, Helen Schneider, described the initiative as an "innovative way for law enforcement and industry to work together to reach young people with online safety messaging." She added, "It’s important that parents and teens know how to recognise the signs of grooming and sextortion and where to seek help."

Managing Director of Snap Inc. in Australia and New Zealand, Ryan Ferguson, said, "The safety of the Snapchat community has always been our priority, and working closely with law enforcement and expert safety partners is a critical part of that ongoing effort. We have Trust and Safety and Law Enforcement Operations teams located here in Australia, who lead this important work.

"We’re very pleased to be able to extend this into the project with the ACCCE, to help educate teens and families across Australia, through Snapchat and beyond, about some of the most serious online risks that young people may encounter and better equip teens to stay safe online."