Survey launched to gauge scale of peer-on-peer sexual abuse
A survey to establish the scale of online peer on peer sexual abuse among children of school age across Britain has been launched by the UK’s leading charity providing support to victims.
Marie Collins Foundation fears the proliferation of mobile devices being used by children is putting more young people at risk of online sexual abuse, including grooming, sexting and distribution of sexualised content among their own peers.
An area of great concern to schools and parents, despite admirable efforts of educationalists, widespread online safety education for pupils and even extra-curricula coaching for parents by some schools, cases of abuse appear to be rising.
North Yorkshire-based MCF is working with colleagues at the University of Suffolk to establish a clear picture of the scale of the issue, the experiences of schools and how well equipped headteachers and school safeguarding leads feel in their response.
A short, anonymous, online survey has been shared among headteachers and school safeguarding leads across the UK.
The survey is at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/peeronpeerabuse