Online harm prevention website updated

The Dare2Care website was launched by Rotherham MP Sarah Champion five years ago and has been updated today to mark the awareness event.

The site provides support on how to talk to children about healthy relationships and online safety, and information on how to spot the signs of, and how to report, relationship violence and online abuse.

The online world is leaving children exposed to abuse and grooming. Research by the Children’s Commissioner found that one in ten children using a private messaging service are talking to strangers, and one in six girls have received a message from a stranger that made them feel uncomfortable. 

In 2020, the Internet Watch Foundation found that 44 per cent of indecent images of under 18s they find on the internet are ‘self-generated’, meaning the victim uploaded or sent the image themselves, usually because of grooming. This is an increase from 29 per cent in 2019.

Ms Champion said: “I am determined that we must end all forms of child abuse and exploitation.

“The dramatic rise of indecent images of children found online is horrifying as every one represents an abused child. 

“Abusers constantly look for opportunities to exploit children and the online world is providing the perfect avenue for their abhorrent crimes.

“The law desperately needs updating on online harms, and I urge the Government to bring forward the Online Harms Bill as soon as possible. I also encourage parents, children, and professionals to arm themselves with the knowledge to prevent abuse.

“I want everyone to know www.Dare2Care.org.uk is here to help in the fight against child abuse.”