Repeated strip searches of children raise fresh safeguarding concerns despite overall decline

A significant fall in the number of strip searches carried out on children is masking ongoing safeguarding failures, with nearly a third of those searched having previously been subjected to the practice, according to a new report from the Children’s Commissioner.

The report, covering the period from January 2018 to June 2024, found that almost 3,400 strip searches were conducted on children in England and Wales, including on a child as young as eight. Although the number of searches has dropped by an estimated 56% since 2020, concerns remain about their necessity, repetition and impact.

For the first time, the data confirms that repeat strip searches are widespread. Between July 2023 and June 2024 alone, 68 searches — 30% of the total — involved children who had already been strip searched previously. The findings raise questions about missed opportunities to intervene and safeguard vulnerable young people.

The report also highlights persistent and worsening racial disparities. Black children are now almost eight times more likely to be strip searched than White children and around five times more likely than Asian children. They are also more likely to have force used against them during stop and search, with police citing factors such as “size, gender or build” more frequently.

Use of force in stop and search remains significant, occurring in 17% of cases involving children. Tactics included handcuffs, firearms and tasers. Yet in 43% of those cases, no further action was taken, raising concerns about whether such measures are proportionate.

More broadly, nearly half (48%) of all strip searches resulted in no further action, despite 89% being carried out on suspicion of drug possession. The findings suggest that the threshold for conducting strip searches may be too low.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said: “Since Child Q’s shocking case came to light, I have used my statutory powers to investigate the strip searching of children by police, and while there have been promising signs of progress in the reduction of overall numbers, as well as how searches are carried out and recorded, this progress is masking the fact that too many are still unnecessary, unsafe and underreported.

“We must not lose sight of the fact that, as a practice, strip searching is an intrusive and traumatic experience and should only ever be used as a last resort when there is an immediate risk of serious harm. Too many children are being let down by systemic failures and treated as adults while they are still children – with Black children most consistently and disproportionately subjected to these searches, and having force used against them based on their ‘size, gender or build’.

“The insufficient justification for many of these searches will only erode children’s trust in the police, which is essential for ensuring their safety. A much higher threshold should be met before a child is subjected to a humiliating and traumatising strip search.

“Moving forward, it is vital that progress continues, with fewer searches carried out, better data recording when they do, and for the improving practice seen in some forces to be emulated across the country – only then will be build a culture of trust between children and the police.”

The report identifies inconsistencies in how searches are conducted and recorded. While no searches were recorded as taking place in schools, more than a quarter of search locations were not documented. In some cases, searches were carried out in public view or without an appropriate adult present.

Regional disparities have narrowed, with London no longer accounting for the largest share of strip searches and showing the most significant reduction. However, the report found no clear link between local crime rates and the frequency of strip searches, suggesting differing policing practices rather than differing levels of need.

Safeguarding responses remain inconsistent. Although nearly half of strip searches resulted in safeguarding referrals, at least 16% did not, and in 35% of cases it was unclear whether a referral had been made. The Commissioner argues that every strip search should trigger a safeguarding response, given the level of concern implied.

While data quality has improved since 2018, gaps remain. In 2024, 54% of records still had at least one missing field, down from 83% in 2018.

The report calls for stronger safeguards, including tighter rules on when strip searches can be used, mandatory presence of an appropriate adult, improved data transparency, and reviews of cases involving repeated searches. It also recommends exploring alternative technologies, such as body scanners, to reduce the need for invasive procedures.

The findings form part of an ongoing series of investigations following the widely criticised strip search of a schoolgirl known as Child Q in 2020, which brought national attention to the issue and prompted calls for reform.