02/04/2026: Com Networks – Inflicting harm and committing a range of criminality.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued a high-level warning regarding sadistic online communities that are accessible in the UK. They refer to seemingly innocent online community networks, but can cause immense harm both online and offline, including physical, sexual and financial crimes.
Known as a Com Network (Community Network), these exclusive digital clubs operate on the fringes of mainstream platforms. Largely composed of teenage boys, these groups often move from mainstream social media (Facebook, Snapchat etc), gaming networks (E.g. Roblox) or other public forums to private group chats on platforms like Discord, Telegram or Instagram.
24/03/2026: QR codes to Drugs sites
DC Nick Burnett from our Serious Crime Unit appeared on BBC Crimewatch Live to explain how QR codes stuck on lamp posts, bus stops and other street furniture are used to target the sale of illegal harmful drugs at children and young people, especially if they are found near schools.
The QR codes feature bright eye-catching graphics designs, and the social media sites they lead to are designed to appeal to youngsters.
30/03/2026: Child focus is biggest change to family courts in 30 years, senior judge says
Government support for a new “child-focused” approach to Family Court battles between parents has been welcomed by its most senior judge, who described it as the “biggest change” in 30 years.
30/03/2026: Professionally Loving Care With Justice Involved Children
New publication from the National Association for Youth Justice focuses on relational practice with children.
29/03/2026: Keir Starmer says UK will ‘have to act’ to curb addictive features of social media
In his strongest intervention yet, PM says some features ‘shouldn’t be permitted’, while education secretary says things ‘are going to change’.
26/03/2026: Number of pupils missing more than half of school hits another record high
The number of children missing more than half of their time in school has hit another record high in England, according to data from the Department for Education (DfE).
26/03/2026: Parents should monitor children ’24/7′ on Roblox, says developer
An independent game developer for Roblox says he believes the platform’s child safety measures, including age verification checks, do not go far enough.
18/03/2026: ‘My daughter thought she was talking to a boy online and sent nude pics – but it was someone else’
Experts say there is a “notable gap” in what we know about how perpetrators are using the web to exploit children.