Books aim to keep Indigenous children safe online
Translators and illustrators team up with the Australian Federal Police to create two picture books to teach parents and children about online safety.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has collaborated with two Northern Territory Indigenous communities to produce picture books aimed at teaching children and parents about online safety in Indigenous languages. Western Arrarnta translator Maxine Malbunka, who translated the book "The Wise Emu and the Digital Dingo in Paradise," explained that the books would convey crucial information to families while preserving cultural values.
Ms. Malbunka hopes similar books can be created in other Indigenous languages across Australia to support awareness and education on child safety online.
Indigenous translators and illustrators from the Northern Territory joined forces with the AFP to create two Indigenous-language picture books: "The Wise Emu and the Digital Dingo in Paradise" and "The Wise Brolga and the Digital Dingo in Paradise." These books focus on educating children and parents about the risks of child sexual exploitation in a culturally appropriate manner.
Hermannsburg resident Maxine Malbunka emphasized the importance of teaching parents to monitor their children's internet usage, particularly their children's exposure to online content such as YouTube and social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook.
The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), led by Kristy Thomson, received over 100,000 reports of online child sexual exploitation in the past financial year, representing a 21% increase from the previous year. Child grooming, where adults contact children to exploit them sexually, is one of the most significant threats online.
Ms. Thomson highlighted that offenders employ various tactics to lure children and manipulate them into sharing intimate images. She stressed the importance of equipping children and parents with the knowledge to identify and respond to online dangers.
Kara Katakarinja, a mother from Hermannsburg, welcomed the initiative, stating that the books serve to preserve cultural heritage while educating families about the potential dangers their children face in the digital world. She stressed the need for parents to be actively involved in monitoring their children's online activities.
Ms. Malbunka expressed her pride in contributing to the community and encouraged other Indigenous communities to embrace the project and share their knowledge. Digital versions of the books are accessible on the ACCCE website, along with supplementary learning resources.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
