Netflix’s most recent drama, Adolescence has captured the nation’s attention and in doing so, has sparked an important conversation about what we as lawyers, teachers and parents can be doing to safeguard the young people around us. Adolescence is a fictional drama about a schoolboy who is accused of killing his female classmate, but which resonates with many stories gripping the headlines in recent times. Ultimately, Adolescence makes a point that all members of society need to be alive to what is happening in the lives of the children around us and to be their source of guidance.
Adolescence, a four-part Netflix series, follows the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller for the murder of his classmate, Katie, and explores the family’s struggle to cope with the aftermath, delving into themes of online radicalization, toxic masculinity, and the pressures of social media. But it’s also a disturbing insight into the minds of young men, warped by extreme violence and sexual abuse prevalent across social media platforms.
It’s fair to say, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. The rapid rise in internet access has led to an increase in the use of social media among children and adolescents. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp have become virtual playgrounds where young individuals interact, share content, and forge connections. While these platforms offer fantastic opportunities for positive social interaction, they also harbour hidden dangers, including the facilitation of online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
What’s happening in the law?
Earlier this year the government announced a key recommendation from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). The proposal under the Crime and Policing Bill will impose a legal duty on school staff (and others such as doctors, social workers, sports coaches, faith leaders and police officers) to report suspected or known cases of child sexual abuse, with failure to do so potentially leading to sanctions, including being banned from the profession. “Child sexual abuse” for the purposes of mandatory reporting should be interpreted as any act that would be an offense under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 where the alleged victim is a child under the age of 18. This would therefore include:
- Taking or making an indecent photograph of a child (including a young person under the age of 16).
- Sending or sharing a sexual photograph or video of another person.
- Sharing or threatening to share an intimate photo or video
- Voyeurism, i.e. observing another person doing a private act for sexual gratification
The Online Safety Act came into force last year and introduced a new set of laws to protect children and adults online. The strongest protections in the Act are for children and social media platforms are required to prevent children from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content and give a clear way to reports problems online when they do arise.
What else can we do to help?
Being vigilant, supportive of young people, fostering a relationship of trust and openness to explore these issues alongside young people and give a safe space to have these important conversations – to guide and support them on their difficult journey through adolescence.
At Enable Law we have a dedicated team helping victims of current or historic abuse suffered in childhood seek restorative justice through seeking compensation from those that had a duty of care to keep them safe. If you want to have a free confidential discussion with Helen Horne or a member of our team about the ways we may be able to help you call us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can call you back at a time convenient for you.
