Convicted sex offenders listed on the New South Wales (NSW) Child Protection Register continue to groom children through popular online gaming and chat platforms despite active police monitoring, according to a recent analysis of court documents. The findings reveal that at least 73 registered offenders have reoffended while subject to stringent reporting and supervision requirements.

The analysis, which reviewed hundreds of court materials including sentencing decisions and applications for Extended Supervision Orders (ESOs) over a five-year period ending June 30, 2025, highlights ongoing challenges in managing high-risk individuals in the community. ESOs are legal measures that enable Community Corrections officers to maintain strict oversight of offenders deemed to pose significant risks of sexual or violent reoffending.

One notable case concluded in the District Court in June involved a convicted sex offender who used 11 different online platforms—including widely used gaming and chat applications such as Roblox and Discord—to groom children during 2025. Another case presented before the Supreme Court in April concerned a 40-year-old man with a prior history of serious sexual offences against girls aged between 13 and 15, also perpetrated through online channels. This individual was found to have repeatedly failed to meet reporting obligations mandated by the Child Protection Register.

The data underscores the difficulty authorities face in preventing recidivism among offenders who exploit digital environments to target minors, even under legal supervision. Authorities emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance and enhanced monitoring technologies to better safeguard children engaging in online activities.