The internet has transformed our lives. Adults - and children - have previously unimagined access to knowledge, culture and conversation with people all over the world. Yet the online revolution has a darker side. It has given paedophiles a window to groom potential victims and a forum to market child abuse images, on an ever-increasing scale and of ever younger children.
There are no accurate figures for the number of such images in circulation, but statistics in a recent report by the children's charity NCH give a chilling glimpse of this growing menace. Child abuse, child pornography and the internet notes that in 1995, just before the internet took off in the UK, the Greater Manchester Police Abusive Images Unit seized 12 indecent images of children, all on paper or video. In 1999 they seized 41,000, all but three of them on computers.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
