To think there should be a really loud children's rights movement? *Possibly distressing*

[PinkChestnut]

Saw a Facebook post from Police Scotland tonight saying a growing concern for them at the moment is child sexual abuse happening around the UK, and then being shared on the Internet. It is apparently on the increase, and to be honest it's got me really down and made me think.

We have loud women's rights activists, we have loud LGBT rights activists, etc etc which is so important and good. But you hardly ever hear of children's rights groups and campaigns etc and I suddenly realised, it's probably because they're too young to organise and shout their rights isn't it? They can't. They have no voice.

It's just really got me thinking, would I be unreasonable to think that a loud children's rights activism group full of adults speaking on their behalf work? I know there is many charities and the government groups, social workers etc who protect children, but their funds are being cut further each year at children's expense.

I'm so tired of hearing almost hushed stories of people abusing children and effectively getting away with it. Someone near my local town has been accused of raping two young children over a period of years, and he is currently walking about free on bail. Grown men are getting off to children being hurt and damaged for life and if they are caught get put on a register then effectively released. Why is this type of crime not taken seriously? Is it because children aren't taking to the streets with placards and protesting and shouting to leave them alone? I think it's time some of us adults got up and did it for them

If anyone knows of any such groups or has any ideas or suggestions I'd love to hear them. I hate the thought of children hurting and feel really helpless about it all tonight.

It's the parents responsibility to protect their children's rights and interests. Yes older children can get involved in activism but any campaign MUST target the parents

What about kids who don't have parents or whose parents couldn't care less, or indeed who harm their own children?

The kids without parents are patented by proxy by the state - which brings with it extra layers of legislation that may need to be brought in to protect the most vulnerable of children moreso than is already there.

And those whose parents don't give a shit again need keeping an eye on by the state - why are these kids going under the radar? What are their teachers and Drs doing to safeguard them?

Surely the NSPCC would be the first port if call?

Maybe the current funding cuts across public services means more are slipping under the radar.

I feel it should be nipped in the bud on the other end too, heavy penalties for those doing the abusing or viewing etc.

I'm planning to contact nspcc and other children's charities next week to see what can be done to help.

Yes I agree with you. Child abuse and viewing images of child abuse should be treated as amongst the most serious crimes of all- look at sentencing and that's not the case.

If you are still on the site, I would love to hear from you. Children's rights are hugely deficient in the UK in many, many fields and while most people do not care as they prefer adults ' needs to be met as a priority, your post is refreshing.