Safeguarding Children from Technology Facilitated Online Abuse and Exploitation

The use of social media has become an integral part of daily life, where adults, as well as children, interact with their friends, family, celebrities and influencers online. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and other social media sites have millions of users. People send millions of messages, and more often than not, they are innocuous images of and about themselves. Primary exploration into the psychology behind these behaviours hypothesises that this comes from wishing to preserve memories, maintain and build relationships, increase self-esteem, for entertainment, and to have a sense of belonging (Sung et al, 2016; Etgar and Amichai-Hamberger, 2017, cited in Nikitina, 2021).

Children are immersed in a world with Information Communication Technology (ICT), and they must navigate this. Parents/carers sometimes lack knowledge and confidence in supporting them to do so. For many children, online activity is part of their daily routine, serving as a space where they both learn and play. For many children, this online environment has become the "norm"; it can be a positive platform for learning, building and maintaining friendships. However, it is also a space where children may be vulnerable to abuse and exploitation (see the Safeguarding Partnership Board (SPB) Jersey, Recognising Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation).

The information children encounter online can be false, making it difficult for them to distinguish between what is real and what is fake, see Fake news, hoaxes and misinformation. They may also be exposed to harmful content, some of which promotes dangerous behaviours and tech-based forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, which may also include bullying (please see further information Risks).

 NSPCC commissioned “Safer Children in the Digital World (2008), (known as the Byron Report). They subsequently commissioned a ten-year review (2018) and highlighted some striking statistics - by the age of 4 53 % of children use the internet, and by age 10, nearly half have their own smartphone. Jersey’s Children and Young People Report (2024) found 63% of year 6 children own a smartphone, rising to 100% by year 12. Adding to this, around 9 million people play games on smartphones, and the distinction between online and offline gaming has become increasingly blurred. Gaming may encourage children to gamble, as well as expose them to people who may wish to abuse them. The scale of child abuse and exploitation online has increased exponentially. As technology advances, the internet and its vast range of content and services have become accessible through an increasing number of devices. According to the NSPCC (2022), "the online world presents a growing number of challenges for those working to protect children from harm and abuse."

Whilst online, children can experience abuse and exploitation without ever meeting their abusers, who may remain anonymous or adopt a false identity. Children may be groomed or coerced into sharing self-generated intimate images of themselves and others (of note, the phrase “intimate” is derived from UK Legislation and Jersey Law, principally in the protection of Children (Jersey) Law 1994, which refers to “indecent” Images). The Internet Watch Foundation carried out a case study which found concerning statistics with children as young as 3 - 6 found to share self-generated intimate images via online devices. The term “self-generated image” should be used with care and with the understanding that children who share “self-generated images” may be being influenced, groomed and/or coerced into doing so and are at risk of sexual abuse and exploitation.

It is not the technology that causes harm, but rather the environment a child enters, the lack of regulation around harmful and inappropriate material online, and the behaviour of people who wish to harm them. Children may be unaware of the ways they can be abused and exploited online, or how devices in their home, such as their smartphones and computers (often situated in their bedrooms), can be misused by others to harm them (NSPCC, 2022). Where there is a rise in the concern around the creation of Generative Artificial Intelligence and, for example, “deepfake intimate images”, a form of abuse where an image is created and manipulated using technology to appear to be real [see further information from NSPCC 2025.

Every child has the right to engage in a safe online world and be protected from abuse and exploitation (UNCRC). As the harm caused by online sexual abuse and exploitation is significant, with some children suffering severe consequences, it is directly linked to the content and interactions they have encountered online (Internet Watch Foundation, NSPCC, 2022).

It is recognised that parents and carers need support to protect their children from these risks. Practitioners must be supported and suitably trained to recognise risks and indicators of online abuse and exploitation and know what action to take.

“Online” is a term used in this practice guidance to define the use of a device (any device) where a child or young person can gain access to the Internet.

“Child” – A person under the age of 18. The term child is intentionally used throughout this practice guidance to emphasise that a child is at risk of abuse or exploitation and requires protection.

E-Safety - E-Safety is a generic term which refers to raising awareness about how children can protect themselves and be protected when using digital technology in the online environment. All schools in Jersey have identified members of staff with responsibility for coordinating the provision of e-safety training and ensuring that appropriate e-safety awareness-raising activities are presented to children in school.

'Online Abuse and exploitation' relates to several different terms, definitions below (links added) with further information on each: -

• Child Criminal Exploitation – where an individual or group take advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into criminal activity - see Serious Violence Strategy (Gov.uk) and SPB Jersey Child Exploitation;
• Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) – when a child is coerced, manipulated or deceived to take part in sexual activity online or offline - see Protecting children from sexual abuse NSPCC;
• Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) – When a child is coerced, manipulated or deceived in sexual activity in exchange for something. CSE does not always involve physical contact and can occur through the use of technology - see Child Sexual Exploitation NSPCC and SPB Jersey Child Exploitation;
• Cyberbullying – bullying through social media, gaming platforms, and chat apps. This has the potential to be extremely damaging and can follow a child everywhere. See What is cyberbullying? (Internet Matters) and SPB Jersey Bullying;
• Grooming – when an adult communicates with a child for sexual gratification, this can lead to the sharing of inappropriate images, The Sexual Offences (Jersey) Law 2018 defines grooming and creates specific offences in relation to children in their ability to consent and The Children’s (Jersey) Law 2002 creates specific offences regarding the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect of children The CYP (Jersey) Law 2022 further strengthens this law;
• Harmful Sexualised Behaviours (HSB) – developmentally inappropriate sexual behaviour by children which is harmful to themselves or others (which includes Technology Assisted Harmful Sexual Behaviours) – see Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour and SPB Jersey HSB;
• Inappropriate content – content that may mislead or tempt a child into dangerous or unlawful behaviour -Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board Child Protection Procedures;
• Intimate Image Abuse –It is an offence in Jersey to take, hold or distribute indecent images of children, subject to various defences (The Protection of Children (Jersey) Law 1994). It is an offence to share intimate photos or film an adult without the subject’s consent, in the UK (Sexual Offences Act 2003 as amended by the Online Safety Act 2023). The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce and the Government of Jersey are working towards equivalent laws in Jersey to those in the UK. See the UK Government's response and the full VAWG Taskforce Jersey Report;
• Online grooming – adults pretending to be friends to groom children. These may be people within the area they live in or across the world. Find further information on how to protect children from online grooming;
• Online hate – exposure to harmful language and/or actions targeting race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics - see Online hate facts & advice;
• Online pornography – Children accessing adult-based material. They may stumble across it, it may be streamed, or they may search sites - see further information on how to protect children from accessing online pornography;
• Online reputation – The internet keeps data on everyone’s online behaviour. There can be impacts from online behaviour, termed as online reputation, depending on activity, where, for example, comments made privately may become public – see Online reputation facts and advice;
• Radicalisation – online exposure to extremist views or those that promote gang-related violence - see further information on Radicalisation and SPB Jersey Radicalisation;
• Risks with Chat Apps – while these sites can be useful, children should be supported to understand how to be cautious with those they interact with - see further advice and support on helping children stay safe on chat apps;
• Screen time – excessive screen time can have an impact on children’s mental health, for example, some content may be potentially addictive - see facts and advice on screen time;
• Self-Harm and Suicide – the use of the internet to encourage harmful behaviours such as self-harm or suicide - see further information on self-harm and the SPB Jersey Self-Harm and Suicidal Intent;
• Sharing “Self-Generated” Intimate Images – sharing nude and semi-nude images by children can also be termed as Sexting and Youth-Produced Sexual Imagery. See further Information for Designate Safeguarding Leads on how to manage this below.
• The Telecommunications (Jersey) Law Article 51 (amended in 2017) – is the law which (at present) covers online abuse offences, including sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent and the creation of sexually explicit deep fakes (see Telecommunications (Jersey) Law 2002). Where there are plans to make amendments to laws in Jersey.

SP Jersey provides practice guidance on other linked topics, including:

• Gaming and Gambling;
• Modern Slavery and Child Trafficking;
• Organised and Complex Abuse;
• Respecting and Capturing the Voice of Children.

The impact of online abuse and exploitation is as severe; it is the same as the child being exposed to these forms of abuse in person. Adding to this, online abuse creates a lasting visual record of the harm, which can be shared with others. Abusers will often use the threat of sharing images to extort the child and coerce them into further abuse, which exacerbates the child’s trauma. Online child abuse and exploitation can cause substantial harm to children and young people (for the definition of harm, please see Article 24 (6) of the Children (Jersey) Law 2002, as outlined in SPB Jersey Recognising Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation.)

Practitioners working with children where they suspect they may have been exposed to online abuse and exploitation should be alert to the possibility that:

• The child may already have been or is currently being abused;
• That abusive images may have been distributed on the internet or via mobile phones;
• The child may be being groomed for sexual abuse, including involving them in making their own intimate images;
• The child may be being shown abusive images or making their own images, which may be on their own devices;
• Their images are being used to make deep fake intimate images, and
• Adults may be viewing and downloading child sexual abuse images at that time about this child, (London Safeguarding Children’s Safeguarding Partnership Board).

Increased risks for children with disabilities, learning difficulties or neurodiversity

• All practitioners working with children should consider the increased risks for children with disabilities, learning difficulties or neurodiversity;
• Where required, children may require the support of communication specialists and advocacy to enable them to share their experiences - see SPB Jersey Working with Interpreters and those with Specialist Communication;
• NSPCC have a number of resources for talking to your child about online safety, with tips, quizzes and resources.

Indicators of abuse and exploitation are often seen as changes in mood, alterations in a child’s circle of friends, or a noticeable change in their attitude toward using computers or phones—for example, constant texting, feeling frantic when without their device or exhibiting secretive behaviour.

Children often demonstrate their distress through behaviour rather than telling someone directly; they "show us rather than tell us". Research indicates that children may demonstrate their distress through their actions, for example, with increased clinginess, regression (into younger behaviours) or increased anger and irritability (UNICEF).

It is advised that parents, carers and trusted adults ask direct questions to understand if something is upsetting, scaring or worrying them in their lives and in their online interactions.

Taking action to protect children from significant online harm when it has happened is crucial. However, parents/carers and practitioners are advised to prioritise and create safe online environments to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Parents/carers and practitioners can help make a child’s online environment safer by:

• Having regular conversations about online safety, what grooming and exploitation looks like - reassuring them they can talk about anything that makes them feel uncomfortable at any time of day or night, without fear of being blamed or getting into trouble. While older children may find discussing some topics embarrassing, these conversations are essential, making them more likely to tell someone if needed. Open conversations should be part of everyday life, allowing children to share their experiences—both positive and negative—at a pace and place they feel comfortable. Much like talking about how they get home safely after a night out, their use of alcohol, or for younger children, what safe touch means [for example, by using “Pantosaurus” to talk safely to younger children about sexual abuse – see further information from NSPCC;
• Managing the content they can access - by using parental controls to block and filter. These controls work across all devices and help parents manage when their child can go online, for how long and the content they can access. They can create filters to block specific apps and manage the content for different family members - see further information from NSPCC;
• Encouraging children to use devices in a central area, such as the kitchen, or, as they get older, having an open bedroom door so they can be seen;
• Monitoring the time they spend online and, whenever possible, removing devices overnight to prevent late-night gaming or interactions.

The NSPCC provides resources and tips for managing a child’s wellbeing online

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) also has a range of tools for parents and carers. 

Whatever prompts the sending of an image, the act itself poses a risk to the child. Children are unable to prevent their own abuse and exploitation and may not consider the legality of what they are sharing.

Children must be helped to understand:

• The difference between a selfie and a sexually explicit intimate image;
• Once an image is online, it can be shared further or posted on other platforms;
• Risks arise from sharing images with peers, friends, and others on social networking sites, where those images may be shared without the child’s knowledge;
• Children may unknowingly share images with perpetrators of sexual abuse, who can then distribute them within a wider network of child abusers; and
• A person with the intent to sexually abuse children may use shame and guilt to coerce the child into sharing more images or videos.

Sharing “self-generated” intimate images may not be criminally motivated, but by creating or sharing indecent images of a child, they may be committing an offence. Children must have this explained to them in a language they can understand.

Where a practitioner is made aware that images have been made and/or shared, they must manage this carefully. (See Information for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)). Careful consideration must be given to the fact that the possession of the images may constitute an offence, and the child whose image has been shared is at risk and may already be subject to significant harm.

The paramount consideration must always be the welfare and safety of the child involved, as well as other children who may have been affected.

If a practitioner discovers a child or young person has experienced online abuse or harm, they should: -

• Listen calmly to what the child has to say;
• Remember that the child may feel embarrassed or ashamed;
• Be non-judgmental and make sure the child knows that abuse and exploitation are never their fault;
• Understand this constitutes a safeguarding need and must be referred immediately to the Children and Families HUB and the Police (please see Actions);
• Consider the use of risk assessment tools to support their practice, such as the Brook HSB Traffic Light Tool or the Jersey Child Exploitation (CE)Screening Tool [see SPB Jersey Practice Guidance on HSB and CE.

The UK Government has published guidance titled “Sharing Nudes and Semi-Nudes: How to Respond to an Incident” (March 20240. The guidance, although targeted at DSLs, their deputies, headteachers and senior leadership teams in schools and educational establishments, also holds relevance for all practitioners who work with children, accessed either as an overview format or in full, see Sharing nudes and semi-nudes: advice for education settings working with children and young people

This UK Guidance highlights important points which are relevant to Jersey Practitioners and must be adhered to when a child has been involved in sharing nudes or semi-nude images:

• Practitioners should never: View, copy, share, store or save any imagery, nor should they ask a child to share or download any imagery, as this is illegal. For example, problems have arisen when practitioners have shared imagery during referrals or as a means of capturing evidence. This must be avoided, as it is illegal. Further guidance on managing these situations is available, and it is advised that the above document be read in full where this is required;
• Practitioners should: Explain to the child(ren) that they are aware of imagery of concern on their mobile device and that this needs to be reported. The practitioner should seek immediate advice from Children’s Social Care (and/or the Police) and reassure the children involved; they will receive support on how to manage the situation safely;
• Practitioners should not: Delete the imagery or ask the young person to delete it. Should not share information with other persons involved or the child’s parents/carers, until further advice is received from either Children’s Social Care or the Police;
• Nor should they: Say or do anything that may blame or shame the child involved.

When practitioners identify safeguarding needs for a child who is being exposed to online abuse or exploitation, practitioners must:

• Follow the SPB Jersey Child Protection Core Procedures and follow SPB Jersey Children and Young People Safeguarding Referrals Procedure.
• Where the risk of harm is immediate, call the police on 999.
• Send enquiries to the Children and Families Hub.
• Along with any screening risk assessment tool such as the Brook Traffick Light Tool (see Training), Jersey CE Screening Tool and CE Exploitation Pathways;
• Where a child may have been physically abused, suffered neglect or sexual abuse, consideration must be given to following the Child Protection Medical Pathway and/or the Child Sexual Abuse Pathway.

Due to the nature of this type of abuse and the possibility of the destruction of evidence, practitioners making referrals should discuss their concerns with their DSL, and/or the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Decision maker (see SPB Jersey Child and Young Person Safeguarding Referrals). With the aim of improving outcomes for children on a case-by-case basis and the coordination of actions to safeguard their welfare. DSLs and MASH decision makers should follow practice guidance in relation to Organised and Complex Abuse, see SPB Jersey Organised and Complex Abuse.

The Police must be contacted where children: 

• Have or may have come to significant harm from online abuse and exploitation;
• Where images or videos of children engaged in sexual activity or in revealing poses are known to have been posted online.

The Police may be informed by calling +44 (0) 1534 612612 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency) or visit: 

States of Jersey Police

Police Headquarters
La Route Du Fort
St Helier
Jersey
JE2 4HQ

The Police may be informed via direct complaints made to them or via information shared with them from enquiries forwarded to the Children and Families HUB.

In cases of online abuse and exploitation of children, Children’s Social Care (CSC) lead on calling a Strategy Meeting/Discussion to determine multi-agency agency action to safeguard and protect their welfare – see SPB Jersey Article 42 Enquiries Ministers Duty to Investigate Enquiries seeChild Protection Notification (CPN) for Children by the Police Protection Unit (PPU), Detective Sergeant, where a Child has an allocated Children’s Social Worker (CSW)  Where the Police lead on the pursuit of criminal offences, (see College of Policing – Briefing note 2016). When investigating crimes in relation to sexual images of children, the Police must consider whether the individual(s) involved in the crime might also be involved in personal contact abuse of children. Utilising multi-agency working together with CSC to establish the individual's access to children within the family, employment or voluntary activity. Where steps will be taken to safeguard all the children involved whilst matters are investigated, see SPB Jersey Organised and Complex Abuse.

Practitioners can access Safeguarding Training through the SPB Jersey  Safeguarding Training.

Staff who require training in responding to children who present with HSB and in the use of The Brook Traffic Light Tool E Learning Package – can access this through OurGov - Connect Me - for Government Employees.  For outside agencies, training can be accessed through Virtual College. Note – It is recommended that when practitioners have completed their E Learning Training in the use of the Brook Traffic Light Tool is then saved on their desktops under favourites for their own future use.

Practitioners may require access to counselling or wellbeing support, which should be available through their respective agencies.

Practitioners should have access to regular single-agency safeguarding supervision.

Agencies should also consider multi-agency reflective supervision where cases are complex, stuck or drifting.

Professional challenges should be welcomed, and partnership working depends on resolving professional differences and conflicts as soon as possible. Where staff experience professional differences, they must follow the SPB Jersey Resolving Professional Difference/Escalation Policy.

Positions of Trust

Agencies must understand their responsibility and the multi-agency process for managing allegations against those in positions of trust.

If any practitioner (paid or unpaid) behaves in a way (in person or online) that causes concern, agencies should follow their in-house process and procedures for managing staff. Whilst also recognising the risks this person may pose to children and/or adults, where they must follow SPB Jersey Managing Allegations Framework for Children or Adults (please link: https://safeguarding.je/resources/) and must also follow the Actions included in Safeguarding Children. Jersey Adult Safeguarding Procedures.

Online communities

Online communities are groups of people that come together in a virtual environment to interact with each other online. People naturally will connect with others who have the same interests. Online communities might use a specially-designed platform or existing technologies such as:

• Messenger platforms;
• Forums, messenger boards or chat rooms;
• Social media apps or websites;
• Gaming platforms;
• Blogs.

Whichever platform is used, safeguarding and child protection should be at the heart of any online community, as online communication can make it easier for adults to make contact with children and build relationships with them. The online world also enables like-minded adults to create communities, and this includes those who have a sexual interest in children.

Organised and Complex Abuse

Cases of organised and complex abuse are often multifaceted, because of the serious nature of the allegations being made and (in many cases) the number of children involved. Where there is often a need for specialist expertise owing to the complex nature of consequential investigations and legal proceedings.

The London Safeguarding Partnership Board (CP8) define organised and complex abuse as abuse involving “one or more abusers and a number of related or non-related abused children”, stating “…it may take place in any setting. The adults concerned may act in concert to abuse children, sometimes acting in isolation, or may be using an institutional framework or position of authority.”

If this form of abuse is identified, practitioners must share their concerns with their DSL, Registered Manager or Heads of Service as soon as practicably possible so that timely decisions can be made around how to make appropriate referrals and reduce and mitigate the risks for the children involved (see SPB Jersey Organised and Complex Abuse).

Accessing or Creating Indecent Images

Where there is suspected or actual evidence of anyone accessing or creating indecent images of children, an enquiry must be forwarded to the Children and Families HUB for any identifiable child.  In any case, this information must be shared as soon as practically possible with the Police.

Radicalisation

Suspected online terrorist or extremist material must be reported to the Police by calling 999 where there is risk of immediate harm, or for non-immediate cases of concern by calling the Police Protection Unit (PPU) on 612612 (see SPB  Safeguarding Children and Young People against Radicalisation and Violent Extremism.

The Government of Jersey provides information on protecting yourself and your family online

Appropriate Filtering and Monitoring – UK Safety Internet Centre

Education for a Connected World

Free online safety workshops - NSPCC

Growing up with pornography: Advice for parents and schools 2023

Jersey Education Online Safety Policy

Jersey Police – Online Safety

Parental controls & privacy settings guides – Internet Matters

Professionals Online Safety Helpline – UK Safer Internet Centre

Report Harmful Content – UK Safer Internet Centre

Report Remove Childline

Sexting in schools and colleges: Responding to incidents and safeguarding young people.

The Protection of Children (Jersey) Law 1994

Article 51 of the Telecommunications (Jersey) Law 2002: Prohibits the sending by means of a public telecommunication system of a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character; in certain circumstances, sending false messages.

Crime (Disorderly Conduct and Harassment) (Jersey) Law 2008: Article 3; Harassment subject to reasonable person test.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre - LawStuff is run by Coram Children’s Legal Centre and gives free legal information to young people on a range of different issues (This may be used as a reference, and where UK Law is discussed further advice would be sought from the LOD on a case-by-case basis.)

UK Safer Internet website 

Childnet Advice on Sexting

Social media as a Catalyst and Trigger for Youth Violence (Catch 22)

Workshops for parents - YGAM – to develop a deeper understanding of children’s digital lives.

NSPCC resources

NSPCC resources for children with special educational needs

NSPCC Online harm and abuse: learning from case reviews

YOTI online ID protection service

Child line - Sexting and Nudes