NSPCC play about sharing sexual images to tour Jersey primary schools

A new play will tour Jersey primary schools in September, highlighting the dangers to children of sharing sexual images online.

'The Net' will be performed to all Year 6 pupils as part of an NSPCC campaign.

It has been created with input from from young people, parents and professionals in Jersey.

'The Net' follows a popular girl who believes she is tech savvy, but whose life changes when she begins sharing images on platforms inappropriate for her age.

It has been devised as the Internet Watch Foundation has found self-generated images have become the most prominent form of child sexual abuse imagery found online.

It found there has been a 65% increase in the proportion of this imagery involving children aged 7 to 10 years old (2022-23).

The term encompasses intimate images taken with permission and then shared without permission and coerced child sexual abuse images that are shared or sold.

Most are created on mobile phone cameras or webcams in 'safe spaces' such as a child's own bedroom.

The play is part of a wider NSPCC campaign called 'Be The First Filter', which includes advice and resources for parents and carers.

Emma Motherwell, NSPCC Jersey Local Campaigns Manager says this particular aspect of online safety is a key issue right now:

"A worrying rise in the sharing of indecent images and image-based sexual abuse online means this is something we all need to get to grips with now and ensure that we, the adults, are the first filter for protecting young people."

The performances in schools will be followed by NSPCC-led workshops, whilst the charity will also be running webinars for parents to support discussions at home.

More than 80 multi-agency professionals across Jersey have had training in online harms delivered by the NSPCC and the Jersey Safeguarding Partnership.

David Goosey, Independent Chair, Jersey Safeguarding Partnership, said:

“Keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility.

"This campaign, and the powerful story told through The Net, will help children, parents and professionals in Jersey talk openly about risks, choices and consequences in the digital world.

"By working together, we can equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to navigate the internet safely and ensure that adults are ready to be that first filter of protection.”