THE number of sexual assaults committed on children by other children has risen by almost 19 per cent in recent years.

Figures released by North Yorkshire Police showed that the number of incidents in which assailant and victim were both under 18 had risen.

In 2013 and 2014 there were 32 incidents recorded, while in 2015 that figure rose by 18.75 per cent to 38 incidents.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “We work very hard with partner organisations to ensure that young people in our area understand different forms of abuse and how to get advice and support.

“Our Youth Engagement Officers regularly visit schools to help children understand consent, respect and what a healthy relationship should look like, and we promote ongoing education initiatives such as ‘Disrespect Nobody’ and our own ‘Keep It To Your Selfie’ campaign. Anyone with concerns about sexual abuse of any kind should contact the police so they can receive the support they need.”

Nationally, recorded cases of children committing sexual offences against other children rose by 78 per cent in England and Wales between 2013 and 2016, according to research by Barnardo’s, up from 5,215 in 2013 to 9,290 in 2016.

In total, there were 32,452 reports to police of alleged sexual offences by children on other children over the four years – an average of more than 22 a day.

York Press:

Javed Khan, Barnardo’s chief executive, said: “We’re deeply concerned more children may be sexually harming other children. We know this can be because they’ve been abused themselves and may not have received the right support to help them recover.

“An estimated third of sexual abuse is carried out by children. Rehabilitating children so they don’t go on to harm others is vital to preventing further sexual abuse.

"High quality age appropriate mandatory sex and relationship education lessons would help children recognise what a healthy relationship should look like.”