Police from North Carolina contacted Queensland authorities after a 12-year-old child was coerced by several men into taking indecent images of herself via a social networking site.

It is alleged threats were made over what would happen if she did not comply.

The case was referred to officers with Queensland’s Taskforce Argos who determined that one of the men was living in Brisbane.

Police arrested a 22-year-old man at a River Hills address in Brisbane’s south-west on Thursday night and seized his computer.

The 22-year-old was charged with using the internet to procure a child under 16. He was granted bail to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 12.

Taskforce Argos chief, Detective Inspector Jon Rouse, said the case served as a timely reminder for parents and children about the dangers of the internet.

“This incident has caused us great concern, given the nature of the communications with this young child, the fact that she felt compelled to comply, and that it all occurred behind her parents' backs,” Inspector Rouse said.

“It is extremely important parents take the time this weekend to look at all of the apps their children are using and get to know them and most importantly, who they are talking to.

“Children must learn that talking to someone that they don’t know online is extremely dangerous. Anyone can say that they are ‘14-years-old and share the same interests’ but how do you know they are who they say they are?”

Inspector Rouse urged children to follow their gut instinct when talking to people online.

“If you get the slightest feeling this person is not who they say they are, tell someone. It’s that simple. Do not take photographs of yourself and share them under any circumstance, or you risk getting into a situation where you are forced and threatened into doing something because they tell you to,” he said.

Parents can find more information via the Queensland Police Service’s “Who’s chatting to your kids” book at www.police.qld.gov.au.