Online Child Abuse

Online child abuse is any type of abuse of a child that happens online or via use of technology. It can happen across any device that's connected to the web, like computers, tablets and mobile phones.

This Tees Guidance document gives an overview of types of online child abuse. Further information on this subject is available on the NSPCC website (please refer to links at the bottom of this page).


1. Introduction

1.1 Online child abuse is any type of abuse that happens via the internet, facilitated through technology like computers, tablets, mobile phones and other internet-enabled devices. It can happen anywhere online that allows digital communication, such as:

  • social networks
  • text messages and messaging apps
  • email and private messaging
  • online chats
  • comments on live streaming sites
  • voice chat in games

1.2 Children and young people can be re-victimised (experience further abuse) when abusive content is recorded, uploaded or shared by others online. This can happen if the original abuse happened online or offline.

1.3 Online abuse can be perpetrated by individuals or groups, males or females, and children or adults. Perpetrators can be someone the child knows or can be a stranger.

 

2. Types of Abuse

2.1 Children and young people may experience several types of abuse online:

  • bullying/cyberbullying
  • emotional abuse (this includes emotional blackmail, for example pressuring children and young people to comply with sexual requests via technology)
  • sexting (pressure or coercion to create sexual images)
  • sexual abuse
  • sexual exploitation

 

3. Grooming

3.1 Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them. Children and young people who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited or trafficked.

3.2 Anybody can be a groomer, no matter their age, gender or race. Grooming can take place over a short or long period of time – from weeks to years. Groomers may also build a relationship with the young person's family or friends to make them seem trustworthy or authoritative.

3.3 When a child is groomed online, groomers may hide who they are by sending photos or videos of other people. Sometimes this will be of someone younger than them to gain the trust of a "peer". They might target one child online or contact lots of children very quickly and wait for them to respond. Perpetrators often target children who are already vulnerable – who may have troubled family histories and/or be bullied outside of the home and socially isolated.

 

4. Response

4.1 Any agency or practitioner who has concerns that a child may be at risk of significant harm to a child whilst online should contact the relevant MACH or Chub and a referral to children’s social care should be made.

4.2 If there is concern about a child’s immediate safety, the Police should be contacted on 999.

 

5. Useful Links and Resources (on this website):

 

6. Further Information: