communities that are formed in digital spaces through social media can provide essential points of connection and support. 134. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in rural and remote communities generally have poor or limited access to the internet. However, Australian research indicates that ‘digital technologies can be used as an effective means to overcome Indigenous disadvantage through improving capacity to build local economies, affirming Aboriginal identity, and providing culturally relevant information’.82 135. For example, HitNet provides internet kiosks to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that are predominantly used by teenagers.83 136. Digital access is not without risk to children. A common form of harm that can occur within the digital environment is exposure to pornographic images. Intentional or unintentional exposure to pornography can result in distorted ideas about sexuality and relationships. 137. In Australia, there are laws to protect children from child exploitation material. However, at times, children can be prosecuted under the very laws that are meant to protect them. 138. For example, the Youth Advocacy Centre told the NCC that its Lawyers regularly make submissions for the withdrawal of charges where children are prosecuted for producing and distributing child exploitation material when taking a photo of themselves and sending it to a boy/girlfriend or similar. They are the victim of their own offence.84 Recommendation 20: The Australian Government increases education activities targeted to children to promote an understanding of privacy and prevent image-based abuse and exposure to pornography. 5 Violence against children 5.1 Abuse and neglect (a) Extent of violence against children 139. Violence against children is a serious problem in Australia. Child protection data indicates that in 2016–2017 there were 67,968 substantiations of child abuse and neglect, a 27% increase since 2012–2013.85 This includes 24