NSPCC – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

NSPCC calls for mandatory tech to block child sexual abuse images in real time

Offences in Scotland reach record levels

The NSPCC is urging tech companies to embed technology on children’s phones that blocks nude images from being created, shared or viewed – and for the UK Government to take further action if they fail to.

This comes as the charity reveals child sexual abuse image crimes logged by Police Scotland reached record levels last year, with more than 828 offences in 2024/25 -11% higher than the previous year.

Data obtained by the NSPCC from police forces across the UK, revealed that between 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 there were 36,829 recorded offences of indecent and prohibited images of children across the UK.

Across the 42 forces that provided data for both years, the number of offences increased by 9%.

Moreover, of the 10,811 crimes where law enforcement¹ recorded the platform used by perpetrators, 43% took place on Snapchat alone – a total of 4,615.

Overall, Meta platforms still accounted for almost a quarter of all offences (24%), with 8% on Instagram, 7% on WhatsApp, 5% on Facebook and 4% on Messenger. However, the figures in relation to these platforms only paint part of the picture, as end-to-end-encryption (E2EE) means the scale of abuse children are experiencing online is hidden – preventing detection and leading to under-reporting on these platforms.

Without adequate safety features designed to keep children safe online across all platforms, many young people are exposed to the risk of grooming, extortion, online child sexual abuse and having intimate images shared – all of which can have a devastating impact on a child’s life, sometimes well into adulthood.

One 17-year-old boy who contacted Childline* said, “I shared a nude online and it was leaked, so everyone at school saw it. I was in a really bad way, so I moved schools. The nude pictures still come up as random people message me and blackmail me with them. I’m worried about my new friends seeing them and how the leaked nudes will impact my career in the future.”

The UK Government committed in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy to work with tech companies to stop children in the UK from taking or sharing nude images. This new data makes it clear that tech companies are failing to prioritise young people’s safety across their platforms.

The NSPCC believes that tech companies must act now and embed effective protections for children. They argue that using existing technologies on children’s phones that blocks illegal images in real time would help prevent these crimes from happening in the first place.

If companies do not act, the UK Government must make these safeguards mandatory to ensure every child is protected from this abuse online.

This is one of the three recommendations the charity has pushed the Government to implement to make children safe – to go further in protecting children online than a social media ban alone.

Chris Sherwood, CEO at the NSPCC, said: “Children across the UK are being completely failed by tech companies that should be protecting them online. We cannot keep letting them off the hook when they can do more to prevent this from happening in the first place.

“Behind every one of these offences is a child who has been groomed, abused and manipulated. They are left to carry the trauma, whilst tech companies continue to profit handsomely.

“Technology already exists that could be deployed today to stop children from taking, sharing or receiving nude images. So, the real question is: what’s stopping them? If they continue to drag their feet, Government must show their might by stepping in and compelling them to act”.

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19^th birthday.

Report Remove is available in the UK to anyone under 18 to confidentially report and remove sexual images or videos of themselves from the internet.

This initiative, a collaboration between Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), offers a secure and anonymous way for young people to take control of their online presence and safety.

Letter: Children struggling with disordered eating are not alone

Dear Editor,

This National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (23 February to 2 March), I’d like to remind children and young people who are struggling with disordered eating that you’re not alone.

I was a confident and happy child, but from a young age I was surrounded by diet culture that made me believe my body should be smaller. What began as insecurity when I was five, slowly developed into years of disordered eating and anorexia. At times, I felt consumed by food, calories, and the pressure to shrink myself. Even when I seemed ‘fine’, I was struggling more than anyone realised.

If you’re reading this and recognise yourself, please know support is available. An eating disorder is not your fault, and you deserve help and compassion. Reaching out for help can feel frightening – I remember that feeling well – but it’s also the first step towards getting better.

Talk to someone you trust, whether that’s a friend, teacher, parent or GP. And if speaking to someone you know feels too difficult, you can contact the NSPCC’s Childline service anonymously by calling 0800 1111 or visit: www.childline.org.uk.

You don’t need to have the right words or even know exactly what’s wrong – they will listen, without judgement, and help you find a way forward.

No one should face an eating disorder alone. Reaching out for support is an act of real courage, and the first step towards recovery.

With all my best wishes, Lauren* (age 24) from Scotland

NSPCC Lived Experience Advocate

*Lauren is not her real name – she requested that we protect her identity

“No platform gets a free pass”: UK Government takes action to keep children safe online

Westminster Government will give parents and carers greater clarity and support as the Prime Minister announces immediate action to make the online world safer for children

PM announces new powers to act within months to keep children safe amid rapid technology changes
New action will ensure no platform gets a free pass – as government today will close loopholes that put children at risk, and lays the groundwork for further, faster action
PM leads new crackdown on AI chatbots to protect people from illegal content

The UK Government will give parents and carers greater clarity and support as the Prime Minister announces immediate action to make the online world safer for children.

Speaking to parents and young people later today [Monday 16 February], the Prime Minister will make clear this government will act at pace to keep kids safe online as they navigate a digital world that did not exist a generation ago, and one that is shaped by powerful platforms, addictive design and fast-moving technologies.

The new measures announced today include crackdown on vile illegal content created by AI. The government will move fast to shut a legal loophole and force all AI chatbot providers to abide by illegal content duties in the Online Safety Act or face the consequences of breaking the law. This will ensure the Act keeps up with rapidly evolving harms.

This follows government action to call out abhorrent non-consensual intimate images being shared on Grok, which subsequently led to the function being removed.

The Prime Minister will also make clear today that his government is taking new legal powers to lay the groundwork for immediate action following its consultation on children’s wellbeing online. The Government is committed to following the evidence, and these powers will mean we can act fast on its findings within months, rather than waiting years for new primary legislation every time technology evolves.

That means being able to act quickly on measures like setting a minimum age limit for social media and restricting features like infinite scrolling that are harmful, in line with the consultation. The law is crystal clear: the distribution of nude images of children is already illegal. But the government will also consult on how best to ensure tech companies can safeguard children from sending or receiving such images in the first place.

The consultation will also confront the full range of risks children face online. This includes examining restrictions on children’s use of AI chatbots, as well as options to age restrict or limit children’s VPN use where it undermines safety protections and changing the age of digital consent.

The government will also strengthen protections for families facing the most devastating circumstances, by ensuring that vital data following a child’s death is preserved before it can be deleted, except in cases where online activity is clearly not relevant to the death.

This marks a clear shift in how the UK approaches child online safety, meaning the UK can continue to be a world leader in keeping children safe online.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As a dad of two teenagers, I know the challenges and the worries that parents face making sure their kids are safe online.

“Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up. With my government, Britain will be a leader not a follower when it comes to online safety.

“The action we took on Grok sent a clear message that no platform gets a free pass.

“Today we are closing loopholes that put children at risk, and laying the groundwork for further action.

“We are acting to protect children’s wellbeing and help parents to navigate the minefield of social media.”

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “I know that parents across the country want us to act urgently to keep their children safe online. That’s why I stood up to Grok and Elon Musk when they flouted British laws and British values.

“We will not wait to take the action families need, so we will tighten the rules on AI chatbots and we are laying the ground so we can act at pace on the results of the consultation on young people and social media.

“We are determined to give children the childhood they deserve and to prepare them for the future at time of rapid technological change.”

The children’s digital wellbeing consultation will launch next month and will be guided by what parents and children say they need now, not in several years’ time.

Ministers are already engaging with parents, young people and civil society groups, and the message has been consistent and clear that parents want support and fast.

You won’t always know what your child is seeing online – unless you ask.

We’re supporting parents with practical guidance to talk to their children about harmful online content, from misinformation to misogynistic material.

Because starting the conversation matters. pic.twitter.com/OXpdrvRceA
— Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (@SciTechgovuk) February 10, 2026

To help parents immediately, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has launched the ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ campaign. It offers practical guidance on safety settings, conversation prompts parents can use with their children, and age‑appropriate advice on dealing with harmful content, including misogynistic material and ragebait.

Chris Sherwood, NSPCC CEO, said: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s promise to act quickly and decisively to hold tech companies to account and make the online world safer for children. The status quo can’t continue, and without real change the pressure for an under‑16 social media ban will only increase.

“Much of what is being proposed mirrors what we have been pressing for: proper age‑limit enforcement, an end to addictive design, and stronger action from platforms, devices, and AI tools to stop harmful content at the source. Delivered swiftly, these measures would offer far better protection than a blanket ban.

“We also strongly support putting children’s voices at the centre of this debate. They understand both the benefits and risks of being online and – after their insights have been overlooked in discussions so far – their experiences must now help guide the decisions made in the months ahead.

“We need urgent action and an ambitious agenda if the Government is going to take on tech bosses and make a difference for children and young people.”

Andy Burrows, Chief Executive of Molly Rose Foundation, said: “Parents are right to demand urgent action on online safety, and we strongly welcome the Government’s ambition to move quickly and decisively to tackle appalling and preventable harm.

“This announcement should reassure parents that change is on the way. It means that children and families could see much needed safety improvements within months, including action against high-risk AI Chatbots and new measures to prevent girls from being coerced into sending nude photos.

“This a welcome downpayment but the Prime Minister must now go further. Sir Keir Starmer should commit to a new Online Safety Act that strengthens regulation and that makes clear that product safety and children’s wellbeing is the cost of doing business in the UK.”

Resources created by young people in Scotland will help make online world safer

New educational tools to help children and young people understand the risks of the online world including artificial intelligence, online bullying and misinformation have been launched.

The resources have been developed by a group of young people from across Scotland to help keep children safe online. It is part of a project called ‘Amplifying Child Safety Online’, being delivered by the NSPCC in partnership with the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP).

The work is being led by 10 young people, including Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), who have called themselves Digital Safety Ambassadors.

They have created a set of videos, posters and an educational session plan to support children and young people and professionals who work with them, with child safety online.

To produce these tools, they led workshops with groups of young people from regions across Scotland over the past 12 months, to explore their experiences of being online and the challenges they face in staying safe.

Other topics the groups have discussed include social media and body image, grooming and talking with strangers, hate speech, scams, and keeping personal information private.

The Digital Safety Ambassadors also worked with the NSPCC’s Voice of Online Youth, a group of 14 young people aged 13-17 from across the UK, and youth engagement groups in Northern Ireland and Wales to identify common issues across the devolved nations and ensure that young people’s voices and their views about online safety are heard and considered.

They hosted an online event last November to showcase the child online safety tools they have developed. This marked an important step in connecting young people’s lived experiences with those in positions of power. With the project now available to the wider public, the co-designed materials will be used to raise awareness of the risks young people face online, and support influencing opportunities with decision-makers.

Catriona, MSYP for Falkirk East, said: “I got involved in this project because young people are online so much and social media is such a core part of our lives, so it’s an important topic to target.

“Young people should be safe online, but this isn’t the case. The online world and social media can be a great thing, and I don’t think we should stop young people from using it, but more needs to be done by tech companies and politicians to make sure children don’t see inappropriate content.

“I hope this project can make people more aware of the issues that children face online and they are vulnerable to harm.”

Arianna Gagnon, MSYP for Clydebank and Milngavie and Digital Safety Ambassador, said: “Online safety is such an important issue because young people get exposed to inappropriate content.

“We need to be aware of risks because we’ve grown up with the digital world and it’s a significant part of our lives.

“I hope this project helps to create a safer space online for young people. We’d like to make decision makers more aware of what young people are experiencing online and to realise that online safety is a big issue. I don’t think it’s a big enough priority just now.”

Joanna Barrett, NSPCC Associate Head of Policy for the Nations, said: “Children have a right to be safe online and to have their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them.

“This project has provided an opportunity for the young people to make their views and insights on tackling online harms and improving digital safety heard by decision-makers and those with responsibility for child safety online.

“We hope this will empower decision-makers to shape policy and practice that reflects the realities facing young people online.”

Mary-Martha Dickie, MSYP for Girlguiding Scotland and Digital Safety Ambassador, said: “I first got involved in the project because I noticed how reliant we are towards social media and the potential risks it creates.

“It’s been great to meet with a wide range of young people and work together to find out how we can enjoy the online environment whilst ensuring our safety is guaranteed.”

Nathi, Digital Safety Ambassador, said: “I got involved in this project because I saw how social media really impacts young people – it’s part of our everyday lives.

“This project has helped me to see social media in a better light and recognise some of the risks. It’s been great to use our experiences to help other people.

“Hearing young people’s views from different regions of Scotland was so interesting. I was surprised by how knowledgeable they were on so many topics such as artificial intelligence, misinformation and body image.

“Young people aren’t safe online just now, especially younger audiences. We need to make it safer so they can still access it because it’s not all bad. It can also be useful for learning and studying.”

Sonia said: “A lot of young people aren’t aware of how to stay safe online.

“I think young people’s safety online needs to be more of a priority. Children are our future and it’s our duty to keep them safe.

“I’ve learned about the importance of taking responsibility by being part of this project and the value of participation. It’s great to get the chance to have an impact and I feel very grateful for the opportunity to do such valuable work.

“I hope decision makers listen to and take us seriously and that they introduce measures to make sure children are safer online in future.”

For more information about this project visit: NSPCC Child Safety Online

Amplifying-Child-Safety-Online-Supporting-Resources Download

NSPCC responds to thousands of child protection concerns as Christmas countdown continues

Last December, NSPCC’s Helpline service received almost 5,400 contacts from an adult with concerns for a child. Of these, three quarters were about abuse.
The charity is reminding adults and young people that their Helpline and Childline services are here for them right through the festive period.
The Childline Christmas campaign continues to highlight how the next few weeks can be the most dangerous time of year for some children.

The NSPCC will be responding to thousands of child protection concerns during the Christmas countdown and right through the festive period.

Last December the charity’s Helpline received 5,384 contacts from an adult with concerns about a child, with three quarters of these being about emotional, physical and sexual abuse (including online) and neglect.

Around a third of these contacts came from parents or carers and a fifth from neighbours and members of the community.

The Helpline was just as busy across the 12 Days of Christmas – December 24 to January 4 – dealing with almost 2,000 child welfare contacts sent via email and shared over the phone.

One in six (17%) of contacts over the 12 Days of Christmas were deemed so serious that NSPCC practitioners made referrals to the local authorities or emergency services for further attention and action.

A carer told the NSPCC Helpline: “I’m calling about the family next door. It’s just the parents and their child who’s around 3 or 4. I can hear them shouting and screaming such awful things at the child, and at each other, pretty much every day.

“It seems like it’s been getting worse over Christmas. This is no place to raise a child. Is there anything you can do to help?”

The NSPCC Helpline is a dedicated service which helps adults with concerns about children. These can be related to a child’s safety and wellbeing or for adults seeking guidance and support on issues that affect young people.

Child protection specialists are on hand to advise and can, if necessary, refer the concern to a different organisation. The Helpline will be open to provide help and support across the festive period.

Children are also directly contacting the charity through Childline about a range of issues, with the NSPCC-service delivering over 2,700 counselling sessions related to abuse across the winter period.

A child, aged 13 told Childline: “I’m scared of visiting my mum on Christmas. She and her sisters call me names and yell at me.

“They told me I won’t get any presents because of how I behaved this year, but all my siblings will. It’s so unfair!”

In response the NSPCC is running a hard-hitting campaign shining a light on how, for some children, Christmas is the most dangerous time of year. The campaign advert, now showing on TV and running across radio, is inspired by the true story of a woman who was abused by her father.

Lived Experience Advocate, Sarah, who inspired the Christmas advert, said: “Christmas Day used to be so special to me, I used to love dressing up in nice dresses and jewellery, then one day I never wanted to dress up again as my father assaulted me while wearing a new skirt.

“He would use the festive period as another way to exert power over me and manipulate me. He would make me ‘earn’ my presents each year, which he often ended up selling when he ran out of money.

“I was nine when I first called Childline to disclose my abuse and ended up speaking to a wonderful counsellor who made me feel listened to and safe These conversations encouraged me to seek further support and, eventually, my father was convicted of his crimes against me.

“This Christmas, I would urge every child to speak out if something doesn’t feel right. Childline is here for every child who has a concern and they don’t know where to turn to.”

Adeniyi Alade, Service Head for NSPCC headlines in Scotland, said: “Christmas should be a time of joy, but for too many children in Scotland it can be a difficult time.

“Behind the statistics are young people who feel frightened, neglected or unheard — and that’s why Childline is here every day, including throughout the festive period. Whether it’s worries about abuse, bullying or simply feeling alone, our counsellors are ready to listen and support children whenever they need us.

“We know that the pressures families face at this time of year — from financial strain to heightened tensions at home — can make life even harder for children living in unsafe or unhappy situations. By speaking out, children can take the first step towards safety and support, and Childline will always be here to make sure their voices are heard.

“Our Helpline is a place for adults who have concerns over the welfare of a child, but don’t know where to turn to. We have trained experts who know how to handle concerns and when and where to make referrals, giving a child the best chance of being safe and well looked after this Christmas period.”

Kam Thandi, Helpline Director, said: “Our Helpline figures reveal how thousands of adults are reaching out to us with concerns about children’s safety as we move through December and into the festive period.

“We know that Christmas can place extra pressures on people – financial strain, increased alcohol consumption, families spending more time together in close quarters – can all contribute to situations where children are at risk.

“Behind every one of the contacts we receive throughout December is an adult who cared enough to speak up, and in many cases, that call has led to vital interventions to protect a child.

“While the NSPCC Helpline is there for adults, our Childline service is also available to all children to talk about their concerns. Trained counsellors are here 24/7, including throughout the festive period, to listen to young people’s concerns and provide advice.”

This Christmas, Childline is reminding young people that it is there for them 24/7 via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website. 

Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.    

DC Thomson family’s charitable trust donates £150,000 to support NSPCC to keep children safe online

A charitable trust, established by a family member of one of Scotland’s largest media companies, will help continue the NSPCC’s work to keep children safe online after pledging a donation of £150,000.

The Northwood Charitable Trust, which was set up by a member of the DC Thomson family in 1972, has pledged to donate £50k annually over the next three years to the children’s charity to support its campaign and research work on online safety.

DC Thomson is famous for publications such as the Beano, The Courier and the Sunday Post.

The core purpose of the Northwood Charitable Trust, which has supported the NSPCC for over a decade, is making communities better and more supportive places for people to live, work and prosper.

Their additional funding will be used for the NSPCC’s work to help protect children and young people online, including a youth-led project collaborating with the Scottish Youth Parliament which aims to ensure that young people’s voices are central to the development of a safer internet.

The NSPCC continues to advocate for stronger protections in online gaming and digital platforms, trying to ensure children are protected from harm wherever they spend time online.

Blair Thomson, head of the Northwood Charitable Trust, said: “The Trust is proud to support the NSPCC’s pioneering work in online safety.

“In an increasingly digital world, we believe no child should ever feel unsafe or unheard. The NSPCC’s efforts give vulnerable young people a voice and safeguard the innocence every child deserves.”

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the NSPCC, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Northwood Charitable Trust for their continued support. This generous donation strengthens our work to keep children safe online and ensures that young people’s voices are heard where it will make the most impact.

“In a fast-changing digital world, it’s vital that we stay ahead of emerging risks and advocate for stronger protections across platforms- so that every child can explore and connect safely.

“With this support, we can continue pushing for meaningful change that protects children now and into the future.”

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19^th birthday.

If you are concerned about a child you can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or email: help@NSPCC.org.uk.

Three in five adults in Scotland believe the risk of children being abused increases over Christmas

New NSPCC poll also reveals one in eight respondents had concerns for the safety of a child known to them during the Christmas holidays
Financial pressures, substance misuse and strained family relationships are some of the main reasons given for why adults are concerned about children experiencing harm or abuse at home over the festive period
A new hard-hitting Childline campaign, supported by Natalie Dormer is raising awareness of how Christmas can be the most dangerous time of year for some children and how the service is here to help them through the holidays

Three in five adults in Scotland believe children face an increased risk of abuse (64%) and exposure to domestic violence (68%) during the Christmas holidays.

New polling from the NSPCC also reveals that one in eight adults have had concerns for the safety of a child they know over the festive period.

The YouGov survey of 4,259 UK adults, which includes 315 from Scotland, analysed the dangers that adults believe children face over Christmas and the potential reasons why young people are at increased risk.

When asked why they were concerned about children experiencing harm or abuse at home during the holidays, adults identified:

Financial pressures at home (75%),
Substance misuse at home (75%),
Food insecurity (64%)
Families spending more time together (68%)
Support services – social services, schools – either closed or operating at reduced capacity (67%).

The majority of respondents believe the most effective way to keep children safe at Christmas is for adults to be aware of the warning signs of abuse and neglect and ensuring young people know who to contact if they need support.

The new NSPCC poll comes as the charity launches a hard-hitting campaign shining a light on how, for some children, Christmas is the most dangerous time of year.

Last year thousands of young people from across the UK contacted the NSPCC’s Childline service with concerns about abuse across the winter period.

A young person told Childline: “Dad’s drinking always gets worse at Christmas. Then the drinking leads to arguments and the arguments turn into him hitting mum. I wish I could protect her, but dad is so much stronger than us both. I want to call the police, or social services, but who will come out at Christmas?”

The campaign advert, now showing on TV and running across radio, is inspired by the true story of a woman who was abused by her father. It follows a little girl Sarah, who returns home from school at the end of winter term and is confronted by the presence of her abusive father.

Another child, aged 16, told the service: “It always all kicks off at Christmas. Mum goes crazy at dad; she hates him trying to speak to his family, even to say Merry Christmas.

“She hates him speaking to anyone else really. I can hear her calling him lazy and useless for not doing enough again this year and she’s made him cry. I want to walk out, but where would I go on Christmas? I’ve locked myself in my room with my sister for now; when mum’s done with dad, she might blow up on us next.”

Natalie Dormer, actor, producer and NSPCC’s Ambassador for Childline, said: “These findings reveal an uncomfortable truth that often goes unspoken during the festive season. While many of us look forward to Christmas, far too many children face a season filled with uncertainty, anxiety and fear.

“The campaign advert, inspired by a real survivor’s story, captures the heartbreaking moment of dread when the school term ends and a child’s safe space disappears.

“Behind the closed doors of homes across the country, children are suffering in silence while the rest of us celebrate. This NSPCC campaign sends a crucial message: Childline will be there for every young person who needs support.”

This Christmas, Childline is reminding young people that it is there for them 24/7 via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.

Adeniyi Alade, head of Childline in Scotland, said: “We know from the children who reach out to us that the festive season can be one of the hardest times of the year. While many look forward to Christmas, for some young people it means being trapped at home with the very problems they fear most — whether that’s violence, substance misuse or simply feeling invisible.

“We want children in Scotland to know that Childline is always open, day and night, even over Christmas. No matter what’s happening behind closed doors, they can talk to us in confidence and we will listen.”

Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “This new research highlights a troubling reality that Christmas – which should be a time of joy and happiness for all children – can instead be a period of heightened danger for far too many children.

“Financial pressures, increased alcohol consumption, and strained family relationships are all factors that can heighten the risk of child abuse in the home over the festive period.

“That’s why our Christmas campaign is so important, reminding children they are not alone and that Childline is here for them day and night over the festive period.”

Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.

Thousands of online grooming crimes in Scotland during past five years

NSPCC publishes new research highlighting a range of tools tech companies, Ofcom, and Government can employ to protect children from perpetrators

More than 3,000 online grooming crimes have been recorded by Police Scotland during the past five years, new data compiled by the NSPCC reveals.

The figures published by the Scottish Government show that 3,158 Communicating Indecently with a Child offences have been recorded since 2020.

The charity points out that while these are the offences recorded by police; the real number of crimes is likely to be much higher due to abuse happening in private spaces where harms can be harder to detect.

The NSPCC is highlighting these offences as it publishes new research to tackle this issue – it sets out solutions that can be used to prevent, detect and disrupt grooming in private messaging spaces. Online child sexual abuse crimes can have a long-term impact on a child, leaving them with feelings of guilt, shame, depression, confusion, anxiety and fear.

One 14-year-old who contacted Childline said: “I feel so insecure all the time, so, when this guy I’ve met online, who’s a few years older, started flirting with me, that made me feel so special.

“He seemed to care, but now he’s insisting I send him nudes, and I don’t know if he just gave me attention, so I’d send him nudes. I feel like I’ve been tricked but I’m afraid what he might do if I just block him.

“I can’t control how anxious this makes me feel.”

The charity’s new research identifies cycles of behaviours that perpetrators use, such as creating multiple different profiles and manipulating young users to engage with them across different platforms.

In response, the NSPCC is urging Ofcom and tech companies to take swift action on the recommendations set out in the report, so that they can better identify and prevent online grooming.

Recommendations include:

Implementing tools on a child’s phone that can scan for nude images and identify child sexual abuse material, before its shared.
Using metadata analysis, which uses background information, like when, where, and how someone is using a platform, to spot suspicious patterns. It does not read private messages, but it can flag behaviours that suggest grooming, such as adults repeatedly contacting large numbers of children or creating fake profiles.
Create barriers for adult profiles engaging children on social media platforms, like restrictions on who they can search and how many people they can contact.
Tech platform leaders should commit to delivering services which effectively support and balance user safety and privacy.

The research shows that safety measures must be introduced at the same time to be effective, working in tandem to ensure harm is prevented across the grooming cycle.

The NSPCC is urging tech companies, Ofcom, and Government to take leadership on addressing this devastating crime and commit to using every tool available to them to stop perpetrators in their tracks.

Chris Sherwood, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “At Childline, we hear first-hand how grooming can devastate young lives. The trauma doesn’t end when the messages stop, it can leave children battling anxiety, depression, and shame for years.

“Tech companies must act now to prevent further escalation. The tools the NSPCC sets out to protect children are ready to use and urgently needed. Importantly, they mean that services can keep children safe while protecting all user’s privacy. Children’s safety must be built into platform design from the start, not treated as an afterthought.”

Kerry Smith, Chief Executive of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) said: “The internet has opened a door into millions of homes, giving predators access to children.

“Safety should be something which is built into all services and platforms from the bottom up, not tacked on as an afterthought. There should be absolutely nowhere for predators to hide online.

“Tech companies must do everything they can, including in end-to-end encrypted spaces, to keep children safe. It is clear now that this can be done effectively without compromising users’ privacy. There really is no excuse – and the alternative is allowing children to continue to suffer.”

Hundreds of Scottish children contacted Childline about anxiety last year

Anxiety emerges as most common mental health concern for children reaching out to Childline

Last year Childline delivered more than 500 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland with concerns about anxiety.
Causes included abuse and trauma, bullying, global concerns and body image issues.
This World Mental Health Day (Friday, October 10), Childline is encouraging young people to reach out to the service for support.

Anxiety has been revealed as the main mental health concern for children and young people when receiving help from Childline.

Last year, the NSPCC service delivered 546 counselling sessions to children in Scotland related to anxiety, representing almost a quarter (22%) of all support given for mental health issues.

Navigating problems at school, bullying and body image concerns were some of the reasons children and young people cited for experiencing anxiety. Childline also heard that ongoing social and political issues, such as the UK riots, climate change and world conflict, were also increasing feelings of worry and concern in young people.

One primary school aged girl in Scotland told Childline: “I’m so self-conscious of how I look, my personality, what people think about me. It makes me feel anxious. I know everyone is different, but I feel different in a bad way. Reading and drawing are my ways to escape.”

Another girl in Scotland, aged 15, told Childline: “I’ve been struggling with even basic tasks lately because of anxiety. I get filled with panic, can’t function and then I get angry with myself, so it gets even worse. It’s really frustrating. I want to tell someone but I’m not sure if my problems are important to anyone” Girl, 15

Childline is a free service available to any young person in the UK. Trained counsellors are available to support with any concerns, queries or questions and can be reached via phone or through their online chat.

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “Thousands of children are reaching out to us because they’re struggling with their mental health, in particular with anxiety. We know how overwhelming these feelings can be, often leaving young people feeling trapped and unsure of where to turn.

“From the pressures of school and bullying to concerns about their appearance and worries about global issues, like climate change and world conflict, children are telling us they’re carrying an enormous emotional burden.

“This World Mental Health Day, we want every young person to know that it’s okay to not be okay, and that help is always available. Childline is here 24/7, providing a safe, confidential space where children can talk about their anxieties, no matter how big or small they may seem.”

To mark World Mental Health Day, the children’s charity has released a series of tips to support both children and parents or carers. The Childline website also has a host of advice for young people.

Advice for children who may be struggling with anxiety includes:

Practice Deep Breathing: When you feel anxious, try breathing in slowly through your nose for a count of five, then exhale slowly through your mouth for another count of five. Focusing on your breath can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.

Engage in Physical Activity: Physical exercise can be a great way to improve your mood. Whether it’s going for a walk, dancing, or playing a sport, find an activity you enjoy which can help to manage anxious feelings.

Stay Present: Grounding techniques can help you stay focused on the present moment. For example, try to identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

Challenge Negative Thoughts: Pay attention to negative thoughts that may be contributing to your anxiety. Try to reframe them by focusing on positive aspects or considering alternative perspectives

Reach Out for Support: Remember, you don’t have to face anxiety alone. Talking to a trusted adult, friend, or counsellor can provide you with support and guidance. Childline is available 24/7 to offer confidential assistance whenever you need it.

Top tips for parents to support children who may be experiencing anxiety includes:

Communicate Openly: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings without judgment.

Understand the Causes: Work together to identify specific situations or thoughts that trigger your child’s anxiety. Understanding these triggers can help when developing effective coping strategies.

Promote Healthy Routines: Ensure your child maintains regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and physical activity to provide a sense of stability when they may be feeling uncertain within themselves.

Model Positive Coping Mechanisms: Demonstrate healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or physical exercise.

Seek Professional Support When Needed: If your child’s anxiety persists or worsens, consult with a healthcare professional or counsellor.

Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website. 