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.
13/10/20
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
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