The Scope of the Problem

While definitive statistics are challenging due to underreporting, existing data along with concerning cases reported by the UK media regarding this issue, in recent years, paints a harrowing picture.

• The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), a leading UK organisation tackling online child abuse, reported a 66% increase in self-generated indecent images and videos involving children in 2021 compared to 2019.

• The National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the US received over 16.9 million reports of suspected child sexual abuse material in 2022, with a significant portion involving self-generated content.

• A 2019 study by the University of Lincoln found that 1 in 10 teenagers admitted to sexting, with a higher prevalence among boys.

• In January 2024, BBC News reported on police figures which revealed that young people taking nude pictures are contributing to a rise in sexual offences committed by children in England and Wales. It also reported that potential offenders were aged under 18 in more than half of all reported child abuse cases. According to the National Police Chiefs Council report, which looked at data from all 42 police forces in England and Wales. 106,984 child sexual abuse offences were reported in 2022, a 7.6% increase on 2021. 73% involved sexual offences against children and 27% were offences relating to indecent images of children. 52% involved reports of children (aged 10 to 17) offending against other children with 14 being the most common age.

• In April 2017, Wales Online reported there were 48 under-18s across England and Wales who pleaded or were found guilty of an offence relating to indecent images of children in 2015 – the highest number since at least 2010, and up from 39 in 2014. This included a 13-year-old child in London convicted of taking, permitting to be taken or making, distributing or publishing indecent photographs of children. A total of 31 youngsters aged 15 to 17 were convicted of the same offence. Two children, one aged 14 in Kent and one aged 15 to 17, were also convicted in 2015 of possession of prohibited indecent images of children including non-photographic pornographic images. Overall, convictions for these offences are rising, with 2,499 in 2015, up from 1,411 in 2010. For offenders aged 18 to 20, 114 were convicted of the offences in 2015, up from 83 in 2014. Numbers for this age group have risen in recent years. Offender numbers averaged about 57 a year as far back as between 2010 and 2013 alone.

• Wales Online also reported on 14 year old from South Wales who was convicted of possessing indecent images of children in 2015, making the teen one of the youngest sex offenders in the country. They were the youngest person convicted of the offence in 2015, and along with children of the same age in 2014 and 2011, one of the youngest convicted since 2010. Overall, six under-18s were convicted of crimes relating to banned images of children across Wales in 2015, the highest number since 2010. The figures also show three children, aged 15 to 17, one each in Gwent, Dyfed-Powys and South Wales, were convicted of taking, permitting to be taken or making, distributing or publishing indecent photos or pseudo photos of children. Two the same age, one in North Wales and Gwent, were convicted of possession of indecent images of children.

• In 2020, Sky News reported on a group of teenage boys who shared nude photos of classmates on a messaging app. They were given community service orders.

• In 2021, The Guardian highlighted case of a 15-year-old boy who blackmailed a girl into sending him nude photos. He was given a youth rehabilitation order.

• In 2022, BBC News reported on a 16-year-old boy who shared a nude photo of his ex-girlfriend online. He received a suspended sentence and a sexual harm prevention order.

• In 2023, the Herald Wales reported on a teenager in South Wales who was convicted of possessing over 1,000 indecent images of children. He was convicted to 16 months imprisonment in a young offenders institution which was suspended to 2 years, ordered to undergo a treatment programme and a probation programme, as well as 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a Sex Offender Registration requirement for 10 years.

• In January 2024, the Wigan Today reported on a local teenager who had pleaded guilty to, and was convicted of, possessing over 500 indecent images of children, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). He received a suspended prison sentence.

These cases illustrate the diverse ways young people can become involved in indecent images of children.

Why are Children Becoming Perpetrators?

There’s no single explanation for this trend. Potential factors include:

• Normalisation: The pervasiveness of online pornography, including non-consensual content, can desensitise young people to the seriousness of indecent images of children.

• Peer Pressure: Sexting may be seen as a normal part of teen relationships, with pressure to share explicit images. Fear of rejection or wanting to appear sexually experienced can drive participation.

• Technology: Easy access to smartphones with high-quality cameras and readily available messaging apps facilitates image creation and sharing.

• Lack of Understanding: Young people may not grasp the legal and emotional consequences of creating and distributing indecent images of children. They may not understand the long-term impact on the victim depicted in the images.

• Sexual Curiosity: Exploration of sexuality is a normal part of development. However, in the online environment, curiosity can lead to risky behaviours like sexting with strangers who may pressure for explicit content.

It’s important to recognise that young people involved in this behaviour are not necessarily malicious predators. Many lack awareness of the seriousness of their actions and the potential harm caused.

Moving Forward: Addressing the Issue

Addressing this trend requires a multi-pronged approach.

• Education: Comprehensive sex and relationship education (SRE) is crucial. SRE should address digital consent, online safety, responsible sexting practices, and the consequences of sharing indecent images of children.

• Parental Guidance: Open communication between parents and children about online behaviour is essential. Parents can encourage responsible technology use and help children understand the risks associated with sexting and sharing explicit content.

• Technology Solutions: Social media platforms and tech companies need to implement robust age verification systems and reporting mechanisms for indecent images of children. Tools that detect and flag potential sexting can also play a role.

• Law Enforcement: Effective law enforcement is essential to deter offenders and hold them accountable. Specialised training for police and judicial professionals dealing with cases involving young people is crucial.

• Reaching Vulnerable Youth: Children from disadvantaged backgrounds or those experiencing neglect or abuse may be more susceptible to peer pressure or online grooming. Tailored outreach programs targeting these groups are essential.

• Combatting the “Cycle of Abuse”: Some young people who create or share indecent images of children may have experienced abuse themselves. Addressing the trauma and providing support can help prevent them from perpetuating the cycle.

• Addressing the Mental Health Dimension: Mental health issues like anxiety or depression may contribute to risky online behaviour. Early intervention for mental health concerns can be a crucial piece of the puzzle.

• Evolving Technology: The online landscape is constantly changing. Education and prevention strategies need to be adaptable to keep pace with new technologies and trends. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are crucial to ensure effectiveness.

The phenomenon of children becoming perpetrators of online child sexual abuse is a complex and concerning trend. It is an extremely sensitive issue with no easy solutions. However, by understanding the contributing factors, implementing preventative measures, and ensuring open communication, we can work towards protecting children from harm, both as victims and potential offenders.