More than 3,000 online crimes against children reported to Northamptonshire Police in two years
“We must listen to young people and talk to them about their online lives — openly, without judgement” – Detective Superintendent Jen Castle
More than 3,000 online crimes involving children have been reported to Northamptonshire Police in just two years, prompting the rollout of new online safety resources to schools across the county.
Between June 2024 and May 2026, police recorded 3,091 online crimes where the victim was under 18, with teenagers aged 13 to 15 accounting for almost 40 per cent of offences.
Northamptonshire Police has now worked with safeguarding leads at West and North Northamptonshire councils to develop training materials and lesson packs for primary and secondary schools.
The resources form part of an online child safety campaign launched in July, aimed at raising awareness of the dangers children can face online.
They include guidance for teachers and professionals on identifying potential harm, promoting digital literacy and encouraging conversations with young people about their online experiences.
Materials can also be shared with parents and carers to help them understand online risks and appropriate device restrictions.
According to Ofcom research, around 35 per cent of children encounter potentially harmful or inappropriate content simply by scrolling through online feeds.
More than half of children (56 per cent) use artificial intelligence tools, with some turning to them for companionship.
Detective Superintendent Jen Castle, head of child safeguarding at Northamptonshire Police, said: “Online life for young people today is so different to what some of us parents will know or be aware of.
“And while there are so many benefits to how young people navigate the online world to learn, play and explore, unfortunately there are also some risks and harms that exist in those spaces too.”
She said recognising warning signs could help parents intervene and offer support.
“But most importantly, we must listen to young people and talk to them about their online lives — openly, without judgement — creating environments where they feel safe to share what they are experiencing. Because if we don’t, others will fill that space.”
Councillor Michael Stratton, West Northamptonshire Council's cabinet member for children, families and education, welcomed the initiative.
He said: “Keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility, and that includes helping them to navigate the online world safely.”
He added that the resources would help schools and families hold informed conversations about children's digital lives.
Further information is available at www.northants.police.uk/eyeswideopen.