The full effects of lockdown are only now becoming apparent, according to the Internet Watch Foundation, a UK organisation which tracks down videos and imagery of child sexual abuse online and works to have it removed.
Our listener, Frances, has asked us to tackle this difficult subject because she's seeing clients who've fallen prey to groomers and thinks there needs to be more widespread understanding of the role we parents can play in protecting our kids.
The pandemic saw a big shift in society, with many more kids going online to learn, socialise, and play – something which internet predators have been exploiting.
In the UK alone in 2022, 199,360 of the child sexual abuse materials the Internet Watch Foundation dealt with contained images and videos made via online connection as opposed to by an abuser being physically present in the room with the victim.
In this episode we talk about the techniques they use, how to keep our kids safe without overreacting, and what to do if we discover our own child has been a victim.
IWF ADVICE:
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.
A CAUTIONARY TALE:
The story of Breck, who was lured to his death by a groomer https://www.breckfoundation.org/
GET HELP:
Helplines around the world:
https://childhelplineinternational.org/helplines/
UK:
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command:https://www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/ NSPCC:
Helpline 0808 800 5000 () or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk (mailto:help@NSPCC.org.uk)
Report Abuse in Education on 0800 136 663 Internet Watch Foundation:
https://report.iwf.org.uk/en/report Childline - a free support service for kids 0800 1111
USA:
https://www.stopitnow.org/help-guidance/get-help-now
RESEARCH RESOURCES:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/news-opinion/2023/2023-08-14-82-rise-in-online-grooming-crimes-against-children-in-the-last-5-years/# (https://www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/news-opinion/2023/2023-08-14-82-rise-in-online-grooming-crimes-against-children-in-the-last-5-years/)
https://legaljobs.io/blog/online-predators-statistics/
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Our website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact us:
www.teenagersuntangled.com
Susie is available for a free 15 minute consultation, and has a great blog:
www.amindful-life.co.uk
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