The internet was used as a gateway to commit nearly 300 sex crimes against children in Wales last year, according to figures obtained by NSPCC Cymru.
The figures were revealed after NSPCC Cymru submitted Freedom of Information requests to Wales' police forces
The NSPCC said offences reported to the four Welsh police forces included rape, sexual assault and grooming.
Of the 296 crimes recorded in Wales last year, a total of 21 victims were aged 10 and under, with the youngest being just six years old, according to responses to a Freedom of Information request by the NSPCC.
More than 3,000 sex crimes against children involving the internet were reported last year across 38 police forces in Wales and England, with an average of eight reported every day.
'Huge concern'
Dyfed Powys Police recorded 116 offences, with North Wales Police recording 95, Gwent Police registering 59 and South Wales Police recording 26.
The figures are revealed today as the NSPCC launches its state of the nation annual report – How Safe Are Our Children? – at the charity’s annual conference in London.
The charity has called on the Welsh Government to introduce a comprehensive online safety action plan, supported by a digital advisory group, to ensure Wales is at the forefront of keeping children safe online.
Head of NSPCC Cymru Des Mannion said: “These figures are a matter of huge concern and highlight just how prevalent online child abuse has now become.
“The sheer number of cases confirms our fears that the digital world is playing a significant role in the sexual abuse of children. It’s clear that a large volume of sexual assaults, and in some cases rapes, have involved use of the internet.
'Grooming is on the rise'
“We know this type of grooming is on the rise because children are increasingly telling our ChildLine service how they are being targeted online. Predatory adults posing as children try to meet them or blackmail them into meeting up or performing sexual acts on webcams, which obviously terrifies them and can leave some feeling distressed and suicidal.
“It’s crucial that all police forces ensure officers understand how sex offenders abuse the internet and it’s also time for the Welsh Government to improve Wales’ approach to internet safety. Online abuse can be just one click away and we need innovative solutions to help keep Welsh children safe.”
NSPCC CEO Peter Wanless said: “By revealing this first year of data we hope to highlight how police are under increasing pressure to cope with online offences so we have to ensure they have the resources and training to make them fit for tackling crime in the 21st century.
“Ensuring every child who has endured abuse has swift access to mental health support is also crucially important – as we continue to call for through our key It’s Time campaign.
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/nearly-300-sex-crimes-against-11500902
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