Kids turning to chatbots to disclose online sexual victimisation
More children are turning to AI chatbots when they are sexually victimised online and the federal police commissioner says parents and the community need to step up their support.
A majority of Australian children who have experienced online sexual victimisation either do not confide in anyone or turn to AI chatbots for assistance, according to data from Adelaide University. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett has cautioned that software cannot replace human support and emphasised the need for parents to encourage children to speak up.
While Commissioner Barrett stopped short of endorsing an extension of the under-16 social media ban to AI chatbots, she acknowledged that any measure to enhance child safety is welcome. The study, conducted in collaboration with the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, revealed that 35% of children aged 12 and below who are sexually exploited online confide in AI chatbots or remain silent.
Commissioner Barrett expressed concern over the trend and stressed that automated software lacks the human touch and protection necessary for vulnerable youth.
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