As the Youth Endowment Fund reveals the scale of abuse in the UK of young people by other young people, Safeguarding charity Thirtyone:Eight provide 5 ways Christian parents can protect their children
Warning: This article contains information about child abuse that you might find distressing.
It’s not easy to think about, but recent figures show that cases of child-on-child abuse are on the rise across the UK. The latest data from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) reveals that over half of recorded child sexual abuse and exploitation offences, where the offender’s age was known, involved young people aged just 10 to 17. Around 41% of these cases involve indecent images — often pictures or videos that teenagers have taken of themselves and shared, sometimes thinking it’s harmless or “normal” behaviour. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), describe this as a “fundamental shift” in the way abuse is happening today.
as scary as the statistics may sound, the good news is that with God’s help, parents can make a huge difference in preventing child-on-child abuse
In scripture, God’s love and protection for children is clear. Jesus said, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6, NIV). Without exception, Jesus welcomed children and treated them with respect and dignity. This is the model for how we should treat children, as parents, adults, but also children to one another, as peers.
As parents and caregivers, the culture at home and what we model can have a big impact on protecting our children. And, as scary as the statistics may sound, the good news is that with God’s help, parents can make a huge difference in preventing child-on-child abuse.
What is child-on-child abuse?
Child-on-child abuse, also referred to as peer-on-peer abuse, is when children under the age of 18 sexually, physically or emotionally abuse another person under 18. It can occur anywhere, including online, schools or in homes during babysitting, sleepovers or play dates.
How parents can help prevent child-on-child abuse
1. Start the conversation early
You don’t need to wait until your child is a teenager to talk about consent, boundaries, and respect. These lessons can begin in simple ways from a young age — like teaching them that their body belongs to them, or that it’s okay to say no to hugs if they don’t feel comfortable.
2. Encourage Open Communication
One of the best ways to protect your child is to have a strong, open relationship. If young people feel they can talk to you about anything, they are more likely to ask for help.
Have regular check-ins, ask how they’re feeling about their friendships or relationships. Children are far more likely to open up if they know they won’t be punished or shamed, so try to listen first, without jumping to conclusions.
Whether your child is worried about something they’ve seen, done, or heard, knowing they can talk to you safely makes all the difference.
Read more:
How Christian parents can teach their children about personal safety
5 ways Christian parents can prevent their children from being groomed
A Christian parent’s guide to mandatory reporting: What’s going on and why it matters
3. Talk about online safety in real terms
Many young people don’t realise how quickly private photos or messages can spread online. Talk openly about the risks and explain that once something is shared, it’s out of their control. Encourage them to think before sending anything personal and reassure them they can come to you if they make a mistake.
It’s also important to make sure they know that it’s illegal to take, possess, or share any indecent images of someone under 18 — even if the person consented or took the image themselves. Indecent images include:
- Children engaging in sexual activity either with another child or an adult
- Naked or partially naked children
- Children posing sexually
- Selfies of children acting or posing in a sexual way
Remind them that not everyone online is who they claim to be and warn them about overly friendly or pushy people.
Children learn about online safety at school, but it does no harm to reinforce that learning by asking them what they know or if they have any questions. You can also set social media privacy settings, use parental controls, and encourage your child to block or report suspicious behaviour. Parents can find information about online safety here.
4. Model respectful relationships
Children learn a lot from watching how adults treat one another. Show them what kindness, respect, and empathy look like in everyday life. When they see those values at home, they’re more likely to carry them into their own friendships and relationships.
5. Know where to get help
If you’re ever concerned about your child’s behaviour — or about something that’s happened to them — you don’t have to handle it alone. Talk to someone for support. Organisations like NSPCC and the NAPAC offer confidential advice and support for both parents and young people.
Child abuse is a criminal offence, even when perpetrated by another child. Offences can be reported to the police, and to whoever is responsible for safeguarding in the places where abuse could be taking place, such as a school or church.
As parents and caregivers, we can’t control everything our children see or experience, but we can give them the tools to make safer choices, speak up when something feels wrong, and look out for others.
Together, we can turn awareness into action and make sure every child grows up knowing they are valued, respected, and safe.
If you have been affected by the issues in this article and need support, call the Thirtyone:eight helpline on 0303 003 1111
