Recent Updates - Grooming Crimes Double as New Laws Tackle AI-Generated Abuse
I want to cover two important news reports from Sky News1 this week that highlight the rapidly evolving and increasingly serious dangers facing children online. These news stories should serve as a stark reminder that we must remain fully aware, and conversations about digital literacy need to be more considered and comprehensive than ever before.
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The Alarming Rise of Online Grooming
The first story confirms what I have been warning for some time now, online grooming crimes have doubled since 2018, with the NSPCC warning that victims are now as young as four.
Let’s take a minute to let that sink in: crimes related to online grooming have doubled in six years! The youngest victims are barely out of preschool. This isn’t just a threat to teenagers but a danger for any child who has access to the internet, often through gaming platforms, social apps, or even unmonitored messaging in family-friendly environments.
This increase is evidence that predators are becoming bolder, more sophisticated, and more willing to target younger and younger children who lack the fundamental developmental skills to recognise the danger or the fact that they are being manipulated.
What You Need to Do NOW:
Zero Tolerance for Secrecy: Teach your children that if anyone asks them to keep a conversation secret from you, it is a red flag. Your children must know that you are their ultimate safe space and will never be angry if they confide in you about an uncomfortable interaction with anybody, whether that is online or offline.
Understand Their World: Try to understand exactly which apps and games your child is using. Understand where the chat functions are and who they are communicating with.
Implement Safe Tech Habits: Use parental control software (like those I have previously reviewed) to manage screen time and filter inappropriate content. Keep devices out of bedrooms, especially overnight. In my honest opinion, Safety is more important than privacy when they are young and should be the building blocks to increase trust and communication as they get older.
Tackling the Threat of AI-Generated Abuse at the Source
The second story brings to light another escalating threat, which I have covered a couple of times recently, the use of rapidly evolving Generative AI to create horrific, fabricated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The good news here is that lawmakers and watchdogs are recognising the urgency of this new form of crime and creating laws to help combat it.
The article highlights that a new law, an amendment to the Crime & Policing Bill, could help authorities tackle this issue at the source. For too long, the internet has allowed this material to proliferate unchecked. By working to impose responsibilities on platforms and technology providers, legislation aims to disrupt the creation and spread of these fabricated images before they even enter the public domain.
This is a great step in the right direction, aligning with my previous warnings about the “Manipulative Age of AI.” However, legal changes always take time; in the meantime, the technology continues to advance faster than anyone can regulate it.
What You Need to Teach Your Child About AI:
“Is That Real?”: Teach your child that just because they see a picture or video, especially of themselves or their friends, it doesn’t mean it’s real. AI can now create images and voices that are indistinguishable from those that are genuine.
Digital Footprint Protection: Stress the importance of not sharing revealing photos or personal information, as this material can be used for AI manipulation. Anything that goes online is permanent and can be leveraged by the evil people that lurk in the darkest corners of the online world.
Critical Thinking: Encourage a healthy scepticism. If a friend sends them something shocking or unbelievable, their first thought should be, “How do I know this is real?”
Our Responsibility: Never Stop Learning!
The common thread in both of these disturbing updates is the need for constant education, engagement and communication. The internet is a constantly evolving and dynamic environment, and the tools of criminals are only improving every day.
You should consider yourself your children’s firewall. Stay informed, stay active in their online lives, and maintain lines of communication. Let’s ensure that they are not just safe, but also savvy enough to navigate this challenging new digital landscape.
As always, thank you for your support. Please share this across your social media, and if you do have any comments, questions, or concerns, then feel free to reach out to me here or on BlueSky, as I am always happy to spend some time helping to protect children online.
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https://news.sky.com/story/new-law-could-help-tackle-ai-generated-child-abuse-at-source-says-watchdog-13468757
https://news.sky.com/story/online-grooming-crimes-have-doubled-since-2018-with-victims-as-young-as-four-charity-warns-13469254
Sadly I think we are looking at the tip of an iceberg. Due to societal pressures these are traditionally underreported crimes, and particularly where boys are involved. I am part of a charity which supports male survivors and I can say with certainty that current figures suggest one in eight girls and one in ten boys are victims of childhood sexual abuse.
Whilst we might be able to control AI services in the UK, controlling services based abroad is much more difficult. AI and social media knows no borders. And the penalties for non physical child abuse are currently too lenient to be an effective deterrent.
I applaud what you are doing. Much more is needed to save young lives from being for ever damaged.