A new investigation exposes the alarming scale of child-on-child sexual abuse in English and Welsh schools, with nearly five offenses against children under 13 reported daily over five years. Police data analyzed by The Guardian reveals thousands of cases—ranging from unwanted touching to rape—highlighting a deeply concerning trend in educational settings. Legal experts and advocates have condemned the findings as "horrifying," calling for urgent action to address the issue. The report underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards in schools amid rising concerns over child-on-child abuse.
Exclusive: Average of nearly five sexual crimes a day against under-13s were reported to police between 2021 and 2025From unwanted touching to rape: the scale of child-on-child abuse in English and Welsh schoolsLawyers and campaigners have condemned the “horrifying” scale of child-on-child sexual abuse in schools after a Guardian investigation revealed thousands of sexual offences against under-13s, including multiple rapes, are reported to police every year.Close to five sexual crimes against children aged 12 and younger were recorded on average by police every day in primary and secondary schools in England and Wales, according to Guardian analysis of police data for 2021-25. Continue reading...
