In 2025, more than 330,000 people sought support from Stop It Now because they were concerned about their own or someone else’s online sexual behaviour towards children. This is a 20% rise from 2024. Year after year, we see similar increases.
Cultural stereotypes and media portrayals can convince us that people who view sexual images of children and or have sexual conversations with under 16s online fit a single, recognisable type. These assumptions shape how we think about children’s safety.
In our new research survey, we asked people to picture someone who views sexual images of children or engages in sexual communication with under-16s. Most people imagined a man (55%), who is middle-aged (46%) and a loner or socially marginalised (50%).
But among the thousands of people who reached out to us for help in 2025, concerned about their own or someone else’s behaviour, only a small proportion will fit this profile.
Despite young men being one of the groups most at risk of offending, fewer than one in four (24%) survey respondents associated these offences with people under 25. In fact, in 2025:
While more people are reaching out for support, they represent only a fraction of those who may be struggling with either their own or a loved one’s behaviours. We’re concerned that many don’t seek help because they don’t see themselves reflected in the stereotypes society reinforces
Many of the people who contact us are young, partnered, employed, or have families. That disconnect between perception and reality, can make it harder for people to acknowledge when behaviour is becoming harmful and to seek help.
Similarly, most survey respondents said that anyone who views sexual images or videos of under 18s is sexually attracted to children. But our clinical work through Stop It Now, our programmes, and our assessments and interventions shows us that this isn’t always the case.
It’s a common misconception that someone who views illegal sexual images or videos of under 18s must be sexually attracted to children offline. There are many contributing factors, including:
Again, a misunderstanding of these complexities can prevent people from recognising when they need help.
“We hear every day from people who are frightened by the direction their online behaviour is taking but feel unsure whether they are ‘the kind of person’ who needs help. That hesitation can mean problems escalate when early, confidential support could have made a real difference.”
Dr Alexandra Bailey, Head of Psychology at Lucy Faithfull Foundation and Associate Professor at the University of Roehampton
Sam* understands how damaging stereotypes can be. He was married with two children when he was arrested for online child sexual abuse offences in 2022.
“I remember when the knock finally came”, he says. “I was arrested at home one morning, leaving my wife and young family at home. That day my life changed forever – and I only wish I’d gotten help sooner before it was too late.
“I started using pornography at a young age and it quickly spiralled into an addiction that lasted decades. As my usage increased, I began to seek out more and more extreme content until one day I made the worst decision of my life and began viewing sexual images of children.
“I was so ashamed of what I was doing, but one of the reasons I struggled to seek help was that for a long time I just didn’t see myself as an online child sex offender. I knew my porn consumption was getting worse but couldn’t identify with the kinds of people that I thought committed these crimes. I had a loving wife, two children, a nice house – I had it all. But I was engaging in illegal online behaviours and I needed help.
“I first contacted the Stop It Now helpline the day I was arrested and I will always remember that call. Through their Inform Plus programme, I’ve been able to understand the devastating impact of my online behaviours and the harm they’ve caused. My only wish is that I reached out sooner. If you are at all concerned about your online sexual behaviours, seek help before it’s too late.”
Early, confidential support is crucial to preventing abuse before it escalates. Whoever you are, Stop It Now is a safe, non‑judgemental place to talk to someone who can help.
“Protecting children from harm is a responsibility we all share, and whilst policing works every day to target the most harmful criminals intent on abusing children online, we must see greater action from technology companies to make their platforms safer. Age verification checks introduced by the Online Safety Act mark a positive step forward – but it’s clear more work needs to be done to keep the public and our children safe online.
“The work of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation is fundamental in intercepting those who do or could pose a risk to children, and I would encourage anyone who is worried about their online behaviour to get help now, don’t let it escalate.”
*name altered for anonymity.
