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The impact of coronavirus on child welfare: The effects of online abuse
The NSPCC has published a briefing outlining the impact of online abuse on children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic.
The briefing draws on insights gained from NSPCC helpline contacts and Childline counselling sessions, focusing on perpetrators targeting children online for sexual abuse.
Childline has seen an 11% rise in the demand for counselling sessions about online sexual abuse since the stay-at-home guidance was issued, with children reporting ‘feeling lonely during the pandemic’ and ‘seeking company and support online from people they have never met face-to-face.’
The briefing explains the techniques used by perpetrators of online abuse, including:
- using multiple channels to communicate with children;
- moving conversations from one platform to another;
- and taking conversations from public to private online spaces.
Warning: The briefing contains quotes from children and young people that are distressing.
You can download the briefing PDF at
