Working with Sexual Harm: Recognising and Responding to Online Sexual Harm

“Sexual abuse imagery of children aged 11–13 is most prevalent (2021)” – Internet Watch Foundation

As this statistic highlights, online sexual abuse is a growing and evolving threat to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Increasing numbers of children are accessing digital devices and online platforms at younger ages, often without the knowledge or safeguards needed to protect themselves. At the same time, perpetrators are becoming more sophisticated in how they exploit technology, frequently taking advantage of gaps in adult awareness around how online harm occurs.

Recent data from organisations such as NSPCC and the National Crime Agency indicates that online sexual offences against children have risen significantly in recent years, with tens of thousands of offences recorded annually in the UK. The Internet Watch Foundation has also reported record levels of child sexual abuse material online, with millions of reports each year, and a growing proportion involving younger children and self-generated imagery.

Online sexual harm can take many forms, including grooming, exploitation, coercion into sharing sexual images, live-streamed abuse, and harassment. Evidence shows that many children do not recognise they are being groomed until harm has occurred, and feelings of shame, fear, or self-blame can prevent them from seeking help. The impact can be significant, including trauma responses, anxiety, social withdrawal, and ongoing vulnerability to further exploitation.

Professionals working with children and young people need to understand both how online harm occurs and how to respond effectively. Prevention is key—supporting children, young people, and their parents or carers to build digital awareness and resilience can reduce risk. Equally important is knowing how to respond when harm has occurred, ensuring that responses are trauma-informed, non-judgemental, and focused on the child’s safety and recovery.

This course is aimed at Barnsley professionals who work with children and young people. It will explore the current online landscape, examine how perpetrators operate in digital spaces, and provide practical strategies to support prevention, identification, and response to online sexual harm.

The aims:

• Recognise the extent of online sexual harm and its different types
• Develop strategies to support young people to understand how to prevent online sexual harm
• Learn how to effectively respond to a child or young person who has experienced online sexual harm
• Know which tools and sources of support are most helpful in prevention and education around online harm

This session CPD accredited and has limited space. To book your place please do so via PODS here.