Paedophiles are starting to use virtual reality headsets to view child

Paedophiles are starting to use virtual reality headsets to view child abuse images, according to police data.

Use of this technology was recorded in eight cases in 2021/22 – the first time this technology has been specifically mentioned in crime reports.

During that period, police recorded 30,925 offences involving obscene images of children – the highest number logged by forces in England and Wales.

Of these, a social media or gaming site was recorded in 9,888 cases – including Snapchat 4,293 times, Facebook 1,361, Instagram 1,363 and WhatsApp 547.

NSPCC, which collated the data, is calling for a number of amendments to the Online Safety Bill to prevent more children becoming exposed to abuse.

Sir Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “These new figures are incredibly alarming but reflect just the tip of the iceberg of what children are experiencing online.

“We hear from young people who feel powerless and let down as online sexual abuse risks becoming normalised for a generation of children.

“By creating a child safety advocate that stands up for children and families the government can ensure the Online Safety Bill systemically prevents abuse.”

Read more:
NSPCC’s Childline reports 45% rise in number of boys suffering online sexual abuse
Child abuse inquiry: Turning a blind eye should be against the law
Mother reveals trauma of court delays after her ex-husband sexually abused her daughter

The NSPCC also wants a change to the law that would mean senior managers of social media sites are held criminally liable if children are exposed to abuse.

Sir Peter said: “It would be inexcusable if in five years’ time we are still playing catch-up to pervasive abuse that has been allowed to proliferate on social media.”

A government spokesperson said: “Protecting children is at the heart of the Online Safety Bill and we have included tough, world-leading measures to achieve that aim while ensuring the interests of…