Protecting children from online danger

We are committed to protecting young Queenslanders from online dangers.

To honour our commitment, we established the Out of the Dark (OOTD) program in response to the 2015 Queensland Organised Crime Commission of Inquiry (Byrne Report) to address internet-related child sexual abuse. The Byrne Report acknowledged that the proliferation of new and emerging information and communication technologies has increasingly exposed children and young people to risks and harms in the online environment. 

Through Out of the Dark, QFCC collaborates with key agencies including Queensland Police Service’s Task Force Argos, the Department of Education, the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, yourtown and Bravehearts to amplify messages that aim to educate children, young people and their parents about how to recognise, prevent and respond to online child sexual grooming. 

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner is the national leader in promoting online safety. It provides a complaint service, research and audience-specific content

Bravehearts is a national child protection organisation providing child protection training and education initiatives; specialist child sexual assault counselling and support services; as well as research and reform campaigns to work holistically to prevent child sexual assault

Carly Ryan Foundation was established to create awareness and educate children and parents on online child sexual exploitation. 

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for children and young people aged 5 to 25.

Alannah and Madeline Foundation aims to care for children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence, reduce the incidence of bullying, cyber bullying and other cyber risks, and advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children.

Legal Aid QLD provides legal information around peer-to-peer sexting, revenge porn and online sexual harassment.

National Children's and Youth Law Centre is a community legal service that is dedicated to helping children and young people in Australia and their supporters to find a legal solution to their problems.

Parentline offers confidential phone and WebChat counselling and support for parents and carers of children in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation Safe Bedrooms campaign has a suite of resources which equips parents and carers to protect their children from online predators. 

The Queensland Police Service's Taskforce Argos has released a video called "If you'd seen what I've seen", It features officers who deal with internet predators and relates strong messages to parents about the reality of online risks to children and young people.

Training providers:

A comprehensive list of Office of the eSafety Commissioner certified online safety program providers in Queensland can be accessed on the Office of the eSafety Commissioner’s website.

Need support?

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
• Bravehearts - 1800 272 831
• Headspace 
• Search oneplace for a service near you
• Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

If you are in immediate danger, dial ‘OOO’.