Senior police are urging the community to play its part in the safety and wellbeing of children and young people throughout the state.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Now in its 25th year, National Child Protection Week aims to encourage the safety of children through awards, events, programs and resources.
To coincide with the 2015 event, NSW Police Force has launched new child safety tip sheets and safety videos, focusing on protecting your child online.
NSW Police Force's Corporate Sponsor for Youth Assistant Commissioner Jeff Loy said the online environment posed an increasing danger for children.
"While the vast majority of child abuse is perpetrated by someone known to the child, we must still be aware of the potential of harm from strangers and online predators," he said.
"Parents and carers need to talk to children about the potential dangers on social media and other sites, and make sure they know how to protect themselves online.
A tip sheet and a video are available on the NSW Police Force website at: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/crime_prevention/crime_prevention_tips.
"Another crucial conversation to have with kids is 'Safe People, Safe Places', which helps children identify where to go or who to talk to if they feel uncomfortable or in danger when away from home," he said.
"For the younger kids, there are activity books to introduce them to personal safety, called 'Keeping Me Safe' - which are available from local police stations."
More information about the work of NSW Police Force's Youth Command can be found at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/youth.
Barnados held a Child Protection event earlier this month and also its annual Hippy Day in Cameron Park where a big crowd of four and five-year-old children enjoyed a range of activities.
Meanwhile on Saturday at 10.30am starting at the Cameron Park Rotunda, Wellington, people are urged to take part in what is a very special nationwide "Walk for William".
Organiser Belinda Ledgard is asking for a show of community support for the toddler who has been missing from his North Coast home and the centre of a major police investigation.
The organisers want as many people as is possible to come along and join.
"Young and not so young, men, women, boys and girls, grandfathers and grandmothers, we hope to see you all participate," she said.
"If at all possible people are asked to dress as "Spiderman", William Tyrrell's favourite super hero or you can wear red and blue or just come as you are!
"Red and blue Balloons will be released on the day with William in our thoughts.
This event is not a fundraiser. It is the bringing together of us all united for one common cause!
The aim of this Nationwide Walk is not only aimed at seeing William returned to his family but also to highlight a need for greater Child Awareness and Safety.
In an ever-increasing, fast-paced society it is vitally important that we take the time to reflect on this lost little boy and the many others who may also be missing.
People will be taking to the streets in every state, territory, town, suburb, across Australia in the hope that a memory may be jogged or someone knowing or remembering something will come forward. If you have any information please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
(Normal mobile phone rates apply) no matter how big or small that memory is.
