Lockdowns lead to spike in child exploitation spreading online

“Everyone is home, there are children without too many eyes on them, parents are busy and schools are closed,” she said.

“The rapid increase is not only happening in Australia but Interpol and Europol are also seeing the same trends around the world.”

Ms Vardon said there was a growing concern in teenagers producing images of themselves.

“Young people, sadly 13 to 15-year-old girls, are the highest group at risk of exploitation,” she said.

“It might start with them sharing images and predators get a hand on them before they blackmail them.

“They can receive threats and say they’ll post it…