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.
03/08/2026: New Changes to the Sentencing Act and the Implications for Children and Young People
The Sentencing Act 2026, which received royal assent on 22 January 2026, has introduced key changes to various areas of the sentencing regime, including standard determinate sentence (SDS) release points, recall periods, and maximum suspendable terms.
31/07/2026: A new era for safeguarding in sport
Louise Exton, head of NSPCC Sport, explains why the charity’s specialist child protection in sport service has been renamed amid a worrying rise in safeguarding concerns about children in a sports setting.
29/07/2026: Children And Policing
Three national studies recommend a child first approach in policing.
27/07/2026: Think-tank warns childhood vulnerability is worsening across England
Millions of children in England are facing worsening poverty, housing insecurity, mental ill-health and educational disengagement, according to latest analysis.
24/07/2026: Social media linked to pupil wellbeing decline and persistent absence
Researchers have suggested that increased social media use and online bullying may be contributing to persistent absence.
22/07/2026: Victims or Offenders? Rethinking how the law treats children online
The Youth Justice Board released an evidence pack in June 2026 synthesising current research, statistics, and policy developments on online harms affecting children.