Online pornography to be blocked by default
The government has announced plans to ensure that every household in Britain has automatic blocks on pornography unless they opt out. The prime minister also said that possessing on-line pornography depicting rape would become illegal in England and Wales, as it is in Scotland.
Children use false ages online
The majority of children use false ages to register with on-line social media sites, according to a survey by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Of 24 children aged 11-15 who participated in the study, 20 had falsified their age on a social media site. They were consequently viewing restricted advertising for services such as overtly sexual dating sites and slimming aids.
Church of England apologises for child abuse
The Church of England has issued a formal apology for sexual abuse carried out by Anglican priests, and its own ‘serious failure’ to prevent this, after the release of a final report on child abuse in the Chichester Diocese. The Archbishop of Canterbury called for persistent action and a ‘complete change of culture and behaviour’ in order to end all clerical abuse.
FGM helpline opens
A free 24-hour helpline which will provide advice and support to protect UK children from female genital mutilation (FGM) has been launched by the NSPCC. Callers’ details can remain anonymous, but any information that could protect a child from abuse will be passed to the police or social services. 0800 028 3550
