Porn blamed for sharp rise in sex crimes by children against other children

BAD IMAGES are being blamed for a steep rise in the number of children sexually ­assaulting other children, experts say.

Kids committing sex crimes on the rise

PORN and inappropriate content on the internet, TV and in video games are being blamed for a sharp increase in the number of children caught sexually assaulting other children, experts say.

The number of sex attacks reported between school ­pupils has risen sharply in the past decade because children are unaware what constitutes appropriate behaviour, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Indecent ­assaults in schools jumped by 60 per cent in the past decade while child sexual assaults in schools have also risen by ­almost 20 per cent.

Schools reported 75 sexual ­assaults and 280 indecent assaults last year, up from 63 and 175 respectively a decade ago.

Bravehearts CEO Hetty Johnston, whose organisation works to prevent child sexual abuse, said kids were exposed to adult content at a younger age than ever before, causing them to act out the ­behaviour on each other.

“Kids are harming other kids in greater numbers than we’ve ever seen before,” Ms Johnston said.

Inappropriate images across many platforms have been blamed for the rise in children sexually assaulting other children.

“I think they are being ­exposed to adult messaging and sexualised messaging at very young ages, so they’re ­exploring and acting out.

“It’s happening a lot in daycare centres and schools. It’s frightening.”

Ms Johnston said her organisation was attempting to combat the problem by teaching children how to behave ­appropriately with each other and with adults.

Bravehearts CEO Hetty Johnston said the organisation was trying to combat the problems caused by sexualised messages to kids.

Queen of Hearts Foundation CEO Michelle Ellery, whose organisation supports victims of child sexual assault, said most children were simply unaware their behaviour was unacceptable.

“They’re acting out what they’re learning and a lot of it is coming out in role playing with other kids and they don’t even know that it’s wrong,” Ms Ellery said.

“It is increasing and I think our awareness of it is also increasing.”

Child sexual assaults in homes have also increased by ­almost 40 per cent.

Ms Johnston said part of the reason for the rise was more children were telling parents and teachers about inappropriate touching.

“Children are coming to police at younger ages and stopping it before it escalates,” she said.

“The level of awareness has increased and the level of tolerance has decreased.”

Child Abuse Squad Commander Greig Newbery said awareness had increased following high-profile cases .

Originally published as Porn blamed for sharp rise in sex crimes by children against other children