Helping children stay safe online through culture, language and community
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), through the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), has developed two bilingual children's picture books and supporting education resources to help prevent online child sexual exploitation (OCSE) in communities across the Northern Territory.
Funded under the Australian Government’s National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse (2021–2030), the resources were developed through extensive consultation and collaboration with First Nations communities, educators, organisations and local contributors.
Designed for primary school-aged children, the books support parents, carers, educators and community members to start conversations about online safety in a culturally appropriate and engaging way. The resources use storytelling, local language and familiar community settings to introduce important online safety concepts and encourage children to seek guidance from trusted adults.
The books are accompanied by lesson plans, yarning cards and colouring activities to support learning in homes, schools and community settings.
The Wise Emu and the Digital Dingo in Paradise
Set in the Central Region of the Northern Territory, this story follows Jarra the Kangaroo, who is contacted online by the mysterious Digital Dingo and asked to share personal photos. Concerned by this request, Jarra and his friend Mali the Platypus seek guidance from the Wise Emu. Through her wisdom, they learn how to recognise unsafe online behaviour, protect their personal information and seek support from a trusted adult.
The book was developed in partnership with the Northern Territory Department of Children and Families and informed by the guidance of contributors from the Central Region, whose insights shaped every stage of its development. Written in both English and Western Aranda, the story combines traditional knowledge with contemporary online safety messages. The photographs and illustrations feature public spaces and culturally significant locations that are accessible for community members and visitors to experience.
Download: The Wise Emu and the Digital Dingo in Paradise eBook
Download: The Wise Emu and the Digital Dingo in Paradise Yarning Cards
Download: The Wise Emu and the Digital Dingo in Paradise Colouring in activity
Download: The Wise Emu and the Digital Dingo in Paradise Guide to colouring in activity
Download: The Wise Emu and the Digital Dingo in Paradise Toolkit lessons
Download: The Wise Emu and the Digital Dingo in Paradise Toolkit Overview
The Wise Brolga and the Digital Dingo in Paradise
Set on the Tiwi Islands in the Top End Region of the Northern Territory, the story follows Jarra the Wallaby, who receives messages from the mysterious Digital Dingo asking for personal photos. Unsure how to respond, Jarra and his friend Mali the Platypus seek guidance from the Wise Brolga. Through her advice they learn how to recognise unsafe online behaviour, protect their personal information and seek help from trusted adults. Blending Australian wildlife, friendship and cultural storytelling, the book helps young readers navigate the digital world balancing confidence with caution.
The book was developed in partnership with Tiwi College, the Association of Independent Schools of the Northern Territory, Darwin Youth Services and local contributors. Written in both English and Old Tiwi it reflects local culture and community perspectives while delivering important online safety messages.
Download: The Wise Brolga and the Digital Dingo in Paradise eBook
Download: The Wise Brolga and the Digital Dingo in Paradise Colouring in activity
Download: The Wise Brolga and the Digital Dingo in Paradise Guide to colouring in activity
Supporting safer online communities
These resources reflect the knowledge, leadership and lived experiences of the communities that helped create them. Through a co-design approach, community members contributed to the stories, translations, imagery and educational content to ensure the resources are appropriate, relevant and accessible.
Using the Digital Dingo metaphor, the books introduce online safety concepts in a way that is engaging, age-appropriate and easy for children to understand. Through storytelling, they empower children and families to navigate the online world with confidence, strengthening their digital skills, decision-making and sense of agency online.
All ebooks and supporting resources are available free of charge through the ACCCE. A resource information kit has been developed to help organisations, educators and community partners understand the project and download, share and promote the resources through their networks in a consistent, culturally respectful way.