Member

This material sexualises children, normalises them as objects of gratification and fosters a sexual interest in children. Often, these videos have had millions of views and clicks, thus drip-feeding the idea that it is acceptable and normal. Evidence from law enforcement shows that repeated exposure to such content can escalate to viewing illegal child sexual abuse material, and, in some cases, to offending online or offline. The BBFC is categorical: this material will be refused classification offline. Yet online it persists. The fact that 2024 was the worst year ever on record for cases of child sexual abuse images makes this change even more urgent. Other jurisdictions—New South Wales, Ireland and Canada—already criminalise this harm, and we should align with those international standards.