Technology, online spaces and digital communication are now so embedded in children’s daily activities that it is almost impossible to separate online interactions from other aspects of their social lives.

While not necessarily inappropriate, children’s involvement in sexual behaviour through technology is complex. Often children will create images of themselves consensually as part of a sexual relationship, but some – particularly girls – share images because of coercion, sexual extortion or trafficking. Understanding children’s exposure to and experiences of viewing pornography can improve understanding of their sexual behaviour.