Child Sexual Abuse Images on the Rise
According to a recent report by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), there has been a concerning 27% increase in cases of ‘self-generated’ child sexual abuse images and videos. The report highlights the disturbing trend of children under the age of six being manipulated into engaging in acts of sexual abuse.
Disturbing Trends Revealed
- Last year marked a record high with a 22% increase in ‘category A’ imagery, involving penetrative sexual activity and other explicit content.
- The report sheds light on the abuse against children aged three to six, emphasizing the vulnerability of young kids targeted for sexual exploitation online.
- The term ‘self-generated’ refers to images created by perpetrators coercing victims into sexual behavior through webcams.
Online Risks for Young Children
The report underscores the need to educate children, especially those under six, about the dangers of online platforms. Susie Hargreaves, the IWF’s chief executive, warns that criminals are actively targeting young children through devices found in family homes.
Call for Awareness and Action
Security Minister Tom Tugendhart urges parents to have conversations with their children about online safety, emphasizing the need to recognize potential risks on seemingly safe social media platforms.
