Internet companies could do more to protect children from online abuse, but parents need to step up the most, according to a report from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).
The centre has received 5,500 reports this year, with nearly half coming to the organisation via its website. Of those, 1,373 came from children, and 89 per cent of those were about grooming which is increasingly happening over social networks, with pedophiles using the sites to trade information with each other and target children.
The CEOP said that "offenders are using online networks to communicate with each other, show live-time abuse and share images with the severity of the sexual contact captured, or the newness of the offence committed, gaining the offender extra kudos with like minded individuals."
The report found that web cams are increasingly being used with instant messaging to target and abuse children, while mobile internet means children are increasingly online more, from more locations.
CEOP centre chief executive Jim Gamble called on industry and parents to step up their game and better protect children.
"Some in the online industry could do more and we have said that before. But parents and carers need to accept greater responsibility and go beyond stating that they don't understand this new environment," he said. "We simply do not see evidence of parents using the resources we offer. The advice you need is there so please use it."
Gamble said he realised his organisation may appear to be saying the same thing year after year. "Have we reached saturation point of safety advice or are we being intimated and seduced by the complexity of the technology?" he said in a statement.
"There is a strong mix of both and simplicity is the key while apathy is a risk," he added. "This is not about understanding technology or even necessarily the latest online service. It is about behaviour."
