Barnardo’s said the use of technology such as the internet and instant messaging in targeting children has “markedly increased” over the past year.

It warned that in many cases young people are encouraged to take explicit photographs of themselves, and said that parents, schools and children themselves need to be aware of the risks.

Many of the prosecutions brought against paedophiles related to online grooming, the support organisation.

It also highlighted the extent of exploitation by organised gangs, which often move children around the country and sometimes use businesses as a cover.

However Barnardo’s says public service budget cuts are in danger of affecting services to protect victims.

Anne Marie Carrie, Barnardo’s chief executive, said: “The number of children we work with rose, yet we are still not seeing the urgency of action we would expect for such an horrific crime.

“We have been campaigning for more help for these vulnerable girls and boys for a year now and we will not let it slide.

“Too many children from all walks of life can so quickly be caught up in a world of drugs, violence and sex – this is a sickening slur on our society and we must do all we can to end it.”

Read more at: www.telegraph.co.uk
By Martin Beckford, Social Affairs Editor

2012/01/17