The ongoing battle to keep up with technology
In an era where technological advances are changing the face of how we communicate, the protection of children and young adults remains a challenge for all.
In an era where technological advances are changing the face of how we communicate, the protection of children and young adults remains a challenge for all. Those who care for children, be their parents, guardians, social workers, teachers must move with these developments to ensure that they are keeping track of the new ways in which children might be exploited.
But this is something that cannot be done alone. With the advent of multi-agency working, it is clear that the responsibility for protecting the vulnerable must be a joint effort. In the latest move towards this, the NSPCC has called upon social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat to do more to protect the children that use those platforms.
The NSPCC states that of 1,317 cases in a six-month period, social media was used in 70% of cases. With services like Snapchat, where no log of a conversation is retained on a child’s phone, having those checks and balances being carried out by the social media companies themselves will be paramount to tackling this issue.
With the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority undertaking a review of its scheme and considering whether sexually exploitative behaviour, such as grooming, should be included as a crime of violence and compensated accordingly, those on the front line of protection must move with the times to tackle this issue head on.
Contact
Laura Broadhead
Senior Associate
laura.broadhead@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 908 4818
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Guide
Inquests: How wide should the scope be? The coroner’s decision
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
The Employment Rights Bill: Is it here yet?
Legal Update
June 2025: A busy month for kinship care
Legal Update
A new planning bill for Wales: What will this mean?
Opinion
Pride Month: A time to review DEI
Guide
Legal project management: A cornerstone in operational delivery of inquiries
Legal Update
Analysis: National audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse (June 2025)
Press Release
Browne Jacobson comments on the government's 10 year infrastructure strategy
Opinion
Employer redundancy guide: Sourcing alternative employment
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson delivers record-breaking growth as strategic vision drives exceptional performance
Legal Update
What might the public inquiry on child sexual exploitation look like
Opinion
Spending Review: Setting the stage for UK investment
Guide
Using AI for recruitment: The data issues
Press Release
Spending Review 2025: Browne Jacobson lawyers respond to Chancellor’s announcement
Legal Update
ESG and sustainability report: Rethinking communication and credibility
Press Release
Majority of UK organisations remain committed to sustainability and ESG, says new research
Legal Update
Producing robust capacity assessments and the approaches to assessing capacity
On-Demand - Care Focus webinar series
Care Focus: Critical incidents and managing risks
Online Event
Mental health and capacity forum: Navigating the transition from children to adults
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: May 2025
Legal Update
Is the standards regime about to undergo a significant overhaul?
Video
Investigations and inquiries into child sexual exploitation and grooming
Legal Update
Navigating the streets: The legal landscape of low traffic neighbourhoods
Legal Update - Planning reform
All change: The implications of planning reform upon regeneration projects
Legal Update
Supporting local authorities in tackling housing challenges
Legal Update
Consultation on proposed changes to Estyn inspection regime in Wales
Published Article
Andrew Walker, Bridget Tatham: The case for better risk management
Opinion
Disciplinary procedures and mental health: Employer considerations
On-Demand
Shaping a culture of respect and harmony: Managing competing beliefs
Legal Update
Supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace: Practical steps for businesses
On-Demand - Care Focus webinar series
Care Focus: Critical incident inquests
Press Release
US-UK trade deal: Reaction from Browne Jacobson lawyers
Legal Update
Trans matters in care: The decision in For Women Scotland
Press Release
Browne Jacobson signs strategic partnership with Local Government Information Unit
Opinion
EHRC releases guidance for employers after Supreme Court ruling on definition of woman
Press Release
Browne Jacobson to explore skills challenges in built environment at UKREiiF event
Legal Update
2025/26 employment rates and limits: Are costs increases having a negative impact on the job market?
Opinion
The Court of Appeal explains why a local authority cannot consent to the confinement of a looked after child
Legal Update
HMRC briefing on VAT groups in residential care: Concerns and actions
