Sonya Ryan knows better than most what a perilous place the internet can be. Ten years ago, her only daughter, Carly, became the first Australian to be murdered by someone she met online. In 2007, Carly was groomed, then killed by a paedophile named Garry Francis Newman, who disguised himself as a young Melbourne musician named Brandon Kane.
Since her daughter’s tragic death, Sonya has devoted her life to making the internet a safer place for young people.
Recently, police made the first arrest under a new piece of legislation called Carly’s Law. Sonya told The Australian Women’s Weekly the fact that a convicted sex predator had been stopped in his tracks as he allegedly tried to groom new victims was a huge relief.
14-year-old Carly was groomed online.
“I just want to jump into the next dimension and hold Carly in my arms and tell her what her legacy has done,” Sonya said.
In an intimate interview, Sonya has opened up in The Australian Women’s Weekly about her courageous battle to change to law to better protect young people.
She also shared her five best tips families can use to help keep their children safe from online predators.
Sonya Ryan’s top 5 tips for keeping children safe online
Maintain open dialogue and constant communication with your child. Sonya and Carly were always very close, but by the time Sonya realised there was something not quite right about Carly’s online connection, Newman “already had his hooks in as Brandon.”
Educate yourself about the apps your children are using and be sure privacy settings are maintained.
Disable location services to your camera and apps in your devices settings. “It’s far better to opt in than to try and remember to opt out,” Sonya says.
Just as in the non-cyber world, some people you encounter online might try to take advantage of you, emotionally, financially or physically. “Awareness reduces the risk of this happening to you or somebody you love,” Sonya says.
Make time for real life connections. “It’s important to create balance whilst exploring the online world, ensuring we don’t become disconnected from those we care about in our real lives.”
Sonya’s full story can be read about in this month’s edition of The Australian Women’s Weekly.
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