'Self-generated' child sexual abuse prevention campaign

Young people are increasingly being groomed by online predators to create sexually explicit images and videos.

In 2022, we confirmed 199,363 cases of 'self-generated' imagery, a rise of 6% on 2021 when 72% of actioned reports (or 182,281) were remote-captured. Children aged 11-13 continue to appear most frequently in ‘self-generated’ imagery, although we observed a steep increase in the proportion of this type of imagery including children aged 7-10 in 2022, up 129% from 2021.

Any child, no matter what their background, with unrestricted access to internet-connected devices, is at risk.

The hard-hitting campaign, backed by the UK Home Office, Microsoft, TikTok and supported by Snapchat and Twitter aims to empower young people, and warn their parents and carers about the risks posed by online predators targeting children. Our aim is to build resilience to the threat of self-generated sexual abuse of children, thereby reducing the number of incidences.

We want young people to have an increased awareness of how to safely respond to requests online for self-generated child sexual abuse material; and for parents/carers to have an increased awareness of this crime and feel motivated and equipped to protect their children.

#HomeTruths

As part of the campaign, parents are encouraged to T.A.L.K to their children about the dangers.

• 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.

Help us spread the word and close the door to online child sexual abusers. More info and resources available at talk.iwf.org.uk.

#GurlsOutLoud

We want to help young people recognise the actions that constitute self-generated sexual abuse as abuse and to be empowered to take control by rejecting these requests.

We’ve created a community for young people to feel supported and empowered and to share this with their friends.

We want them to remember these 3 simple steps to block out child sexual abuse: BLOCK. REPORT. TELL SOMEONE YOU TRUST.

We’re here to help young people spot the signs of online sexual abuse, and how to react if it happens. Because child sexual abuse is never the child’s fault.

Learn more about the movement at gurlsoutloud.com.

Maya’s story

Every day young people are contacted online by adults who try to manipulate or groom and sexually exploit them. Evidence suggests that young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) can be more vulnerable to this type of online abuse and are more likely to experience online harm, including child sexual abuse.

Maya's story shows young people with SEND how to stay safe online and what to do if approached by adults online and asked for sexual images or videos.

Instead of responding and giving them attention, children are encouraged to tell someone they trust, who can help them block and report.

Our new set of resources for parents, carers and teachers, specifically tackle the risk of online child sexual abuse of children with SEND. You can get a free copy of these resources, alongside a lesson plan to guide the viewing of Maya’s film at talk.iwf.org.uk/children-with-send.

Find out more about how you can keep young people safe at talk.iwf.org.uk.