Role of social media ‘trend’ in child sex abuse to be tracked

One of the country’s main assessment units for children suspected of having been sexually abused is to track the possible role of social media after noticing a “trend” in the experiences of some victims.

St Louise’s Unit, linked to Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, will look at any instances of sexual harassment through text messages, online bullying or intimidation by alleged abusers and other instances where social media is being used.

Dr Rhonda Turner, principal psychologist at the St Louise’s Unit, said: “We will be tracking the number of cases of social media, online gaming, inappropriate texting and whether they may or may not have played a role in referrals we are receiving.”