'Self-generated' child sexual abuse prevention campaign

Girls are increasingly being groomed by online predators to create sexually explicit images and videos.

In 2020, we confirmed 68,000 cases of self-generated imagery, a rise of 77% on 2019 and self-generated imagery accounts for nearly half (44%) the imagery we took action that year. In 80% of these cases, the victims were 11 to 13-year-old girls.

Any child, no matter what their background, with unrestricted access to internet-connected devices, is at risk.

The hard-hitting campaign, backed by the UK Home Office, Microsoft, TikTok and supported by Snapchat and Twitter aims to empower girls, and warn their parents and carers about the risks posed by online predators targeting children. Our aim is to build resilience to the threat of self-generated sexual abuse of children, thereby reducing the number of incidences.

We want girls to have an increased awareness of how to safely respond to requests online for self-generated child sexual abuse material; and for parents/carers to have an increased awareness of self-generated child sexual abuse online and feel motivated and equipped to protect their children.

#HomeTruths

As part of the campaign, parents are encouraged to T.A.L.K to their children about the dangers.

• Talk to your child about online sexual abuse. Start the conversation – and listen to their concerns.
• Agree ground rules about the way you use technology as a family.
• Learn about the platforms and apps your child loves. Take an interest in their online life.
• Know how to use tools, apps and settings that can help to keep your child safe online.

Help us spread the word and close the door to online child sexual abusers. More info and resources available at talk.iwf.org.uk.

#GurlsOutLoud

We want to help girls recognise the actions that constitute self-generated sexual abuse as abuse and to be empowered to take control by rejecting these requests.

We’ve created a community for girls to feel supported and empowered and to share this with their friends.

We want them to remember these 3 simple steps to block out child sexual abuse: BLOCK. REPORT. TELL SOMEONE YOU TRUST.

We’re here to help girls spot the signs of online sexual abuse, and how to react if it happens. Because child sexual abuse is never the child’s fault.

Learn more about the movement at gurlsoutloud.com.