Combatting online child sexual abuse in the United Kingdom and Italy

Multi-agency responses in prevention

Abstract

This article analyses responses to online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSA) through a comparative study of preventive measures in the UK and Italy. It examines the increasing prevalence of OCSA, exacerbated by digital connectivity and the Covid-19 pandemic.  It also analyses the role of law enforcement and NGOs in preventive measures as well as the importance of parental involvement. The study mentions the role of social workers in early intervention, particularly educational programmes aimed at raising awareness, promoting personal boundaries and recognising warning signs. The findings demonstrate significant differences in legislative approaches: the UK adopts a more regulatory framework imposing obligations on online platforms while Italy relies more on a law enforcement intervention. By considering cultural and legal variations, the article identifies key challenges in addressing OCSA effectively and underscores the need for enhanced legal frameworks and increased public awareness to keep children safe online.