THERE has been a 44% increase in cyber-related sex crimes against children in Merseyside, new data has revealed.

Children's charity NSPCC found that since 2015/16 Merseyside Police had recorded 909 cyber-related sex crimes - with a 44% increase by 2018/19.

A total of 40 out of 44 forces across the UK provided the NSPCC with data on cyber-related sex crimes against under 18s including online grooming, sexual communication with a child, and rape.

The alarming figures show that around 22 crimes of sex offenders targeting children are taking place daily online with 13 being the most common age of victims but a shocking 185 offences have been committed against children aged ten and under.

It comes just days before the Government closes its consultation on the Online Harms White Paper which proposes to introduce an independent regulator to enforce a legal duty of care on social media and tech companies to keep users safe.

The charity is now calling on the next Prime Minister to prioritise online safety by delivering regulation to protect youngsters from the risks of abuse.

Chief executive of NSPCC Peter Wanless said: “Behind each offence is a child suffering at the hands of sex offenders and, worryingly, we know these figures are the tip of the iceberg.

“Far too many children are drowning in a sea of online threats so it’s now time for the next Prime Minister, whoever he may be, to cast out the life jacket.

“He must hold his nerve and introduce an independent regulator to protect children from the risks of abuse and harmful content.”

Merseyside Police has recently launched a Cyber Champions scheme to educate youngsters across the region's primary and secondary schools in cyber safety awareness.

The scheme, in partnership with KPMG, will work closely with pupils of all ages, to ensure they have the relevant cyber skills to recognise potential danger and know how to report it.

Detective chief inspector Helen Bennett said: “As younger children become more socially aware and savvy on social media, the risk for potential cyber-related sex offences increases massively which is very concerning.

“Online safety and educating children and their parents or guardians is crucial to protect those using social media and other online platforms.

"We all have a duty of care to protect vulnerable people, whether that’s due to their age or circumstance to ensure precautions are put in place and actions are taken should someone be at risk of a cyber-related sex crime.

“Although we have seen a 44% increase in the number of reports during 2018/19, I am hopeful that this highlights that victims are becoming more confident in speaking to the police and reporting incidents, knowing that we have the means to investigate and bring offenders to justice.

"However, we are still aware that some incidents are not being reported, leaving many people suffering in silence and that’s what we need to work together to change.

“We work really closely with the NSPCC, the council, other child protection agencies, victims and their families to ensure offences are reported and measures are put in place to protect young people.

"I am keen that services are continued to be provided in schools to educate young people regarding their online activity and how to make their profiles as safe and secure as they can be.

“I also echo Peter Wanless’ comments – with online platforms constantly evolving, offenders are becoming more sophisticated in their approaches.

"We must work together to protect children from harmful content and criminal behaviour.

“Anyone that has been a victim of a cyber offence and hasn’t yet reported it, is concerned for someone they know or wants to report a similar crime, please DM @MerPolCC or call 101 so we can investigate accordingly.”

The force is also asking parents to educate their children by using SMART steps:

  • S – Safe. Keep your personal information safe online
  • M – Meeting. Online friends are still strangers. Report anyone who asks to meet you. They may be lying about who they are.
  • A – Accepting. Don’t accept emails/ messages or files from people you don’t know.
  • R – Reliable. Someone online may be lying about their identity. How do you know?
  • T – Tell. Tell a trusted adult if someone makes you feel uncomfortable online. It can be reported to Merseyside Police, www.ceop.police.uk , www.childline.org.uk or www.nspcc.org.uk .