Young people looking at phones

Self-generated child sexual abuse fieldwork findings report by PIER


"It's normal these days"

The phenomenon of self-generated child sexual abuse material (SG-CSAM) has escalated in recent years, driven by the proliferation of smartphone camera technology and increased internet accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic, which led to prolonged periods of lockdown, further compounded this issue. Self-generated child sexual abuse material includes intimate or sexually explicit content created by and featuring minors, which can be shared either voluntarily or through coercion, grooming or blackmail. This report, funded by the Oak Foundation and conducted in collaboration with the Policing Institute for the Eastern Region (PIER) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), aims to build an evidence base to inform targeted prevention campaigns. The primary objectives were to investigate effective public awareness campaigns, design and deliver targeted public campaigns and evaluate their effectiveness in educating children, parents, carers and educators about self-generated child sexual abuse material. 

Policing Institute for the Eastern Region

Social media's intrinsic role in the lives of young people necessitates a thorough understanding of the challenges they face online. This project emphasises the importance of incorporating the perspectives of children, young people, parents and educators in developing sensitive and effective responses to self-generated child sexual abuse material. By exploring how children and young people perceive, understand and navigate these issues, the report seeks to highlight the complexity and gravity of self-generated child sexual abuse material. It underscores the need for campaigns that do not merely focus on abstinence but also address safe sharing practices and the realistic contexts in which children and young people operate online. The research findings presented in this report mark the culmination of the project's research phase, aiming to contribute to a more informed and responsive approach to safeguarding young people in the digital age.

Recent IWF News

Vital partnership enhances ThreatLocker ability to tackle child sexual abuse imagery

Vital partnership enhances ThreatLocker ability to tackle child sexual abuse imagery

As a new Member of the Internet Watch Foundation, Threatlocker reinforces its mission to disrupt cybercrime and support child protection online.

30 September 2025 News
‘Disturbing’ AI-generated child sexual abuse images found on hidden chatbot website that simulates indecent fantasies

‘Disturbing’ AI-generated child sexual abuse images found on hidden chatbot website that simulates indecent fantasies

Internet watchdog says this is the first time it has identified imagery of child sexual abuse linked to AI chatbots.

22 September 2025 News
AI chatbots and child sexual abuse: a wake-up call for urgent safeguards

AI chatbots and child sexual abuse: a wake-up call for urgent safeguards

Our analysts uncovered criminal material on a platform hosting multiple chatbot “characters” designed to let users simulate sexual scenarios with child avatars.

22 September 2025 Blog
No Loopholes: New Development Shows the EU Must Close the AI Gap through the Recast CSA Directive

No Loopholes: New Development Shows the EU Must Close the AI Gap through the Recast CSA Directive

A disturbing new development highlights exactly why comprehensive legislation cannot wait.

22 September 2025 Blog
IWF calls for Council to agree to Danish compromise on the Child Sexual Abuse Regulation before the temporary derogation expires

IWF calls for Council to agree to Danish compromise on the Child Sexual Abuse Regulation before the temporary derogation expires

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is urging the Council of the European Union to agree to the Danish compromise on the proposed Regulation to combat the spread of child sexual abuse (CSAR).

11 September 2025 Blog
Move for a Safer Internet returns for its third year: A Cyber-Led Sporting Challenge

Move for a Safer Internet returns for its third year: A Cyber-Led Sporting Challenge

Pinsent Masons and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) build on two years of impact and collaboration.

3 September 2025 Blog