Latest IWF statistics have reported that "2021 was the worst year on record for online child sexual abuse" highlighting:
- Internet grooming of children has surged during lockdown
- A 3-fold increase in online sexual abuse imagery featuring 7 to 10-year-olds
- A large increase in self-generated material – where children are manipulated into recording their own abuse before it is shared online
- Fastest growing increase occurred among seven to 10-year-olds.
In light of this, it's vital parents realise that this is not just a teenage issue, but can also affect primary aged children, with the abuse often happening in young children’s bedrooms. So do take this opportunity to remind parents about parental controls, safe settings and monitoring, and tell them about our parentsafe.lgfl.net website where they can find out more, as well as our 'Undressed' song and animation to reinforce key safety messages. And for more resources on sharing nudes, including loads for secondaries, visit sexting.lgfl.net
