You've probably told your child never to talk to strangers...well the scary truth is that the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has found in a recent survey that 1 in 10 children aged 10-15 have spoken to a stranger online.
Young people are being contacted in their own homes on online platforms and apps by strangers asking for sexual pictures and videos. More and more sexual abuse material is created by offenders who coerce and groom children into sexual activities, which they record via webcams or livestreaming services. It’s known as ‘self -generated’ child sexual abuse imagery. This is happening now, and it can happen to anyone.
Combating Online Child Sexual Abuse
Online child sexual abuse is not a new problem, but it is a rapidly growing, gloabl issue. The methods abusers use are constantly evolving in attempts to avoid detection. So if you encounter online child sexual abuse or visaulse any images online it is crucial that you report it so these images can be removed. This content is not exclusive to the dark web.
👉🏼Report Online Child Sexual Abuse Here👈🏼Impact of COVID-19
There has been a positive correlation with lockdowns in responce to COVID-19 and a surge in the number of cases involving 'self-generated' online child sexual abuse images found online.
In 2020, the IWF confirmed 68,000 cases of 'self-generated' imagery, a rise of 77% on the year before. It accounts for nearly half (44%) the imagery taken action on last year.
In 80% of these cases, the victims were 11- to 13-year-old girls.
Using the following T.A.L.K Campaign will help you implement and action change to ensrue your childs online safety. The following guidance offers advice on how to action this with practical steps. You're aware of the facts so act now, not later.
T.A.L.K Campaign
- Talk
- Agree
- Learn
- Know
Talk to your child about online sexual abuse. Start the conversation – and listen to their concerns.
Agree ground rules about the way you use technology as a family.
Learn about the platforms and apps your child loves. Take an interest in their online life.
Know how to use tools, apps and settings that can help to keep your child safe online.