Online Abuse
The NSPCC have defined online abuse as ‘any type of abuse that happens on the internet.’ Any child who uses the internet can be at risk of online abuse.
- It can happen on any device connected to the web such as computers, tablets, mobile phones and games consoles.
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The abuse can be through text messages, emails, online chats, video calls, online gaming and live streaming accounts via social media.
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Some social media platforms to be wary of are: TIK TOK, House party, Instagram, Snapchat and Whatsapp (*please note that online abuse is not limited to just these platforms)
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Children can be at risk of online abuse by someone they know or a stranger.
- Online abuse could be in addition to other offline abuse such as bullying or grooming.
It is an offence to send grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing communications under the Communications Act 2003 (Section 127).
It is also against the law under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to take, make, possess, or share an indecent image or video of anyone under the age of 18 — even if the person involved consented or the image was self-generated. This includes sending such an image to someone else, keeping it on a device, or uploading it online.
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