Surge in fears over sexualisation of children

The number of parents contacting a therapy and counselling service due to their young child’s sexualised behaviour has jumped by over 70% in the past year.

Figures to be published today by the Children At Risk in Ireland (CARI) organisation highlight growing fears over the exposure of children to pornographic material, leading some to “act out” in sexualised behaviour.

CARI’s national clinical director Dr Niall Muldoon, said the increase in contacts made to its help- line over sexualised behaviour in children below the age of 12 showed there was a need for parents and schools to address the issue of internet access and availability of inappropriate material.