Stalking, cyber-bullying and child grooming are all ongoing threats to internet users, particularly the more vulnerable groups like children.

Associate Professor of Charles Sturt University's School of Psychology Gene Hodgins said the impact of online threats could be severe, but reminded parents of the role they played in alleviating the risks.

"Depending on the extent of issues like bullying, a child may start to feel things like guilt, they might think it's their fault or that they've contributed to the bullying in some way, or they may feel hopeless, and all of those things can lead to lowered moods, depression, not wanting to go to school or socially withdrawing themselves," Dr Hodgins said.

"If a parent starts to notice those signs in their child, the best thing to do is to approach them openly, ask them if they're feeling okay or mention, say, you've noticed them spending a lot of time in their rooms."

The prompt for online safety comes after the Australian Federal Police released a warning to parents to check their online privacy settings before posting pictures of their children on social media.

AFP Commander of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation and Child Protection Operations Hilda Sirec said the back to school period was a timely reminder to implement safe online practices.

"There's no reason why parents and carers cannot continue to take those wonderful happy snaps and post them online; However, we are urging parents and carers who are sharing those images to make sure they're using secure privacy settings and only sharing images with people they know and trust," she said.

"Some [child assault] offenders go to great lengths in order to gain access to children and the AFP is seeing instances of online grooming starting from the information that parents and carers are sharing online."

Associate Professor Hodgins said staying level-headed was key to a safe online experience.

"Children and adolescents are vulnerable and at an age where mental illness and other disorders are more likely to set in, so making sure your child feels empowered to make their own choices is a great start," he said.

"If you hear or suspect your child is being bullied online, try not to overreact. Stay calm, listen to your child and don't jump to decisions like confiscating their phone because firstly, that can isolate them from their genuine support networks, and two, it can make them feel like they're being punished as the victim."

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Resisting panic was important in more ways than one in terms of online safety, according to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who said parents should approach privacy with common sense.

"While the risks are real, it's important for parents not to panic, there are simple things you can do to limit the risk including only sharing content with people you know and trust such as setting 'friends only' on Facebook, for instance," she said.

"Since school is also about learning, this is also a good opportunity to talk to your child about privacy, safety and consent - and to model that behaviour by asking them to choose their favourite photo and to ask if they are okay with you posting it on social media for friends and family to see.

"Teaching good online etiquette should start early."

One NSW Riverina parent Vanessa Vidler, of Wagga Wagga, said she was a big advocate for giving her children choice in their online presence, but also balancing that choice with responsibility.

"Our kids don't really have social media accounts or phones, but they do use ours on occasions so we always teach them that whatever they have on that phone is their responsibility," she said.

"Kids will often place the blame and say 'such and such sent it to me' and what not, but we always tell them they have a part to play in making those decisions and being a part of the internet."

Ms Vidler said she was also conscious of what she posted online regarding her children.

"I make sure that the only people who can see my posts are friends or family who I would gladly speak to in a public setting too, which is a great thing because I have family internationally and interstate who we like to keep involved," she said.

"But I would never post a photo or anything of my children that they don't approve of or would be embarrassed by, they still have that choice."

The mother of four added it was important to communicate with your children.

"Make sure you have an open relationship and communication with your kids, mine know they can ask me anything without feeling uncomfortable, because that's sometimes the only way they can learn."

Online child sexual exploitation can be reported to the ACCCE at https://www.accce.gov.au/report or to call Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available, visit www.accce.gov.au/support.

For children seeking mental health support, contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.