‘Significant’ increase in cases of child-on-child online sexual abuse, gardaí say

[Jim Burton]

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/20 ... ardai-say/

There has been a “significant” increase in cases of child-on-child online sexual abuse, An Garda Síochána has warned the Department of Justice.

It comes as concerns are growing within the Government about the influence that access to pornography is having on children in Ireland.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said he was “deeply concerned” about pornography, and how it is “distorting” children’s perception of sexuality and leading to more violent sexual assaults.

Last October, senior Government officials were briefed about the effect that violent pornography and online harm are having on children. Officials attending a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs were told An Garda Síochána had noticed an increase in the number of children committing online child sex abuse and exploitation.