In a data study carried out by the Internet Watch Foundation, the diffusion of inappropriate imagery depicting children aged four to eleven increased 1000% during the lockdown phenomena of the past few years.

According to their study the movement of children to a primarily online existence during that period, led parents to lapse their supervision due to their inability to be with their children 24/7 whilst working. In conjunction with the movement of their whole lives online, including that of their educational experience had led to the vast normalization of massively increased screentime.

Predatory adults, it indicates, were quick to pounce on these developments and exploit the online-only education system during that time. To read the full report please follow the link below: 

https://www.iwf.org.uk/news-media/news/sexual-abuse-imagery-of-primary-school-children-1-000-per-cent-worse-since-lockdown/

It is important that within the safeguarding and education spheres we remain aware of the latest reports and directions coming from the government. This month the UK Government has published its State of the Nation report, into children and young people’s wellbeing throughout the country. As such it is recommended reading for professionals within this sphere, and you can get hold of that document by following the link below. Across its 172 pages, it deals with the report’s key findings on the topics of personal wellbeing, mental and physical health, education and skills and relationships. It also includes a discussion of what direction should be taken to address the issues presented in the report.