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Live streaming apps helping sex offenders target children (6 December 2017)

Date: 06/12/2017
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Live streaming apps helping sex offenders target children

More and more sex offenders are turning to live-streaming apps and platforms in order to exploit children.

According to the National Crime Agency, in just one week authorities identified 345 vulnerable children and made 192 arrests of which 30% involved streaming, blackmail and grooming.

Many social media platforms – most of which are extremely popular with children and young people – offer a live-stream option, these include Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and Snapchat. In addition, there are also several exclusively-live apps; Periscope, Omegle, Liveme and Lively.

Despite many (but notably not all) of these sites having age restrictions – for example, one must be 13 years old to have a Facebook account – children are finding ways of accessing sites regardless of limitations. Occasionally, this is done against the wishes of the parents but in other cases the parents are simply oblivious to their child’s online activities.

Abusers will target children with tricks, dares and threats in order to manipulate them into nudity or sexual acts. Police have now called for parents and internet companies to do more in order to manage the dangerous situation.

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Child Protection Chief Constable Simon Bailey pointed out the changes that need to be made;

“We need parents and carers to talk to their children about healthy relationships and staying safe online.” He said “We need internet companies to help us stop access to sexual abuse images and videos and prevent abuse happening on their platforms.”

An NCA survey revealed some concerning statistics in relation to internet safety. Although 84% of the 927 people questioned said that they were alert to the potential dangers their children face when online, over 30% revealed that they had not spoken to their children about online safety in the last month and nearly 58% were unsure if they had adequate online security.

It seems that whilst the authorities can continue to work on combatting online predators and groomers, children and, perhaps more importantly, parents need to be better educated on how to stay safe online. A lack of awareness from parents and children makes it all too easy for predators to exploit children online.

New, updated guidelines have been issues in a report called Digital Childhood which has varying different recommendations for different age groups. It encourages parents of children from the ages of three to five, should only allow their children online under adult supervision and suggests that online sites such as Facebook should raise their age limit from 13 years old in order to prevent 11 and 12 year olds from accessing the site.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers – Sexual Offences

Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving sexual offences, including rape, attempted rape, conspiracy to rape, sexual assault, grooming, child sexual exploitation, historical charges involving child sexual abuse, revenge porn, prostitution – and making, downloading, or distributing indecent images.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on sexual offences, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.


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