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The talk every parent needs to have with their child before Schoolies

Act for Kids

Act for Kids is encouraging parents to have a crucial talk with their children before they head to Schoolies celebrations, following reports of OnlyFans creators targeting school leavers to film explicit content.

The warning comes after content creators posted videos to social media claiming they already had many soon-to-be high school graduates applying to be part of sexually explicit content which will be later shared with audiences on OnlyFans, who pay to watch.

While school leavers should enjoy the celebrations, Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines said they needed to be reminded about the potential long-term consequences of sharing explicit material online.

“Any videos or images of them can remain online forever, especially if they have no control over how, when and where they are posted. It’s also critical they understand informed consent before agreeing to the filming of any sexual activity,” Dr Lines said.

“We were also disappointed by the language used by one creator describing school leavers as ‘barely legal’ and explicitly stating the benefit to themselves of selling teen sex content. We fear this is exploiting young people, who may never have experienced sexual interactions before, to make money.

“It’s so important for parents and carers to have conversations with their children about safe sex practices, respectful relationships and consent at all stages of their development, but especially before Schoolies celebrations begin.

“We want school leavers to have fun, feel empowered to make good decisions and say ‘no’ if they feel uncomfortable about a situation during their celebrations.”

Further advice for Schoolies and their parents is available below.

Tips for parents:

• Talk regularly with your child about safe sex, consent and respectful relationships, rather than having ‘the chat’.
• Don’t make it awkward – it’s important to remember if you don’t talk to them, they may get their information online or from an unsafe or unreliable source.
• Remind your child they can always ask you questions and talk to you, or offer them the contact number for a safe resource.    
• Obtain the names and numbers of your child’s accommodation provider, closest friends and their parents before they head to Schoolies.  

Tips for Schoolies:

• Visit saferschoolies.qld.gov.au for information on how to stay safe.
• Stick with your friends and look out for each other.
• Call 000 in any emergencies and keep other emergency contacts handy.
• Check in with your family and friends regularly – even if it’s just via text.

About us:

Act for Kids is a leading children’s organisation delivering evidence-based, trauma informed professional therapy, and support services for children who have experienced, or are at risk, of harm.  

Act for Kids’ purpose is to keep kids safe, heal from trauma and lead happy lives. 

We have helped hundreds of thousands of children and families over the past 35 years. 

Our support includes therapy, prevention, treatment, research, education and advocacy services.  We operate from over 30 centres across Australia, with a team of 490 staff from Adelaide all the way up to the Cape York Peninsula.

Contact details:

For interview opportunities, please contact Melanie Whiting: 0427 794 666, melanie.whiting@actforkids.com.au