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.
26/05/2026: Social media as bad for young people as smoking, top doctors say
Social media use ranks with smoking as a threat to the health of young people, according to the UK’s most senior doctors.
26/05/2026: ‘A tsunami of harm’: views on tackling online safety for under-16s in the UK
Campaigners, teenagers, legislators and experts give their opinions on the government’s social media consultation
22/05/2026: Children’s homes body urges end to unregistered placements by 2030
Residential care provider body, the Children’s Homes Association (CHA) is calling on the government to develop a plan to end the use of “illegal” homes within five years.
21/05/2026: Illegal children’s homes being paid up to £2m per child by English councils (Video)
Watch the video for full story.
21/05/2026: Why illegal children’s homes are being paid up to £2m per child by councils
The bungalow doesn’t look much like a children’s home. A sheet of privacy film wrongly placed outside a window is peeling. Inside, the wallpaper is flaking, carpets are frayed and doors are broken.
21/05/2026: Boost pupil protection against informal exclusion practices, campaigners urge
Children’s rights campaigners are calling for stronger oversight of informal exclusion practices after research revealed thousands of pupils are being pushed out of mainstream education.