COVID-19 and Child Safety

The Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) has published some new information to assist to better understand and manage the risks of child abuse in the online environment.

In this new environment, keeping children safe from abuse continues to be important and legal requirements under the Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme remain in place. During this time, the Commission continues to regulate and enforce the Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme and take action where it observes serious risks to the safety of children.

• This draws on the advice of the eSafety Commissioner. Click here for this information.
• The eSafety Commissioner has a range of resources for educators, parents and carers to help keep children safe online, particularly during this period. Click here for resources.

The Commission recognises that this time of uncertainty and restricted movement may create additional stress and anxiety, which may impact people’s wellbeing and increase instances of family violence. If you suspect that a child, or any person, is being abused or may be in immediate danger, you should call ‘000’ immediately and report the matter to Victoria Police.

Where you are concerned a child is in need of protection, you can report to Child Protection.

You can contact the Commission on 1300 78 29 78. Please note that phones will be answered between 9.30am – 11.30am and 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. Please only call between these times. You can also email the Commission at contact@ccyp.vic.gov.au.

Other supports that continue to operate include:

Family violence support

• Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria provides information, advice, resources and responses to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 and family violence.
• The Safe Steps 24/7 family violence crisis response phone lines are operating as usual on 1800 015 188.

Support for children and young people

• Kids helpline provides 24/7 support to children and young people on 1800 55 1800 and via email or webchat. Kids helpline provides information for children and young people about looking after mental health during COVID-19.
• Headspace and ReachOut provide information for children and young people about coping with stress related to COVID-19.

Mental health support

• Beyond Blue has produced a guide to mental wellbeing during the Coronavirus outbreak. The Beyond Blue Support Service offers short-term counselling and referrals by phone and webchat on 1300 22 4636.
• Lifeline is available 24 hours/7 days on 13 11 14, by text to 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight AEDT, 7 nights) and online chat (7pm – midnight, 7 nights).