Significant Decline in Child Victimization from Social Media Crimes in Japan

In Japan, child victims of social media-linked crimes fell by 10.8% to 1,486—a ten-year low. Major categories include a 30.1% drop in child pornography and a triple increase in nonconsensual sexual crimes due to revised laws. Most incidents occurred via Instagram, with a rise in gaming-related offenses noted.

In Japan, the number of children under 18 victimized by social media-linked crimes decreased by 10.8% in the past year, totaling 1,486 incidents. This represents the lowest figure recorded in the past decade, according to the National Police Agency. This decline marks the fifth consecutive year of reduced numbers in these types of crimes.

Of the recorded incidents, 414 cases involved child pornography, a significant drop of 30.1%. Additionally, there were 287 cases of children subjected to nonconsensual sexual intercourse and 102 incidents of nonconsensual indecency. These latter two categories have tripled from the previous year, likely attributed to the revised Penal Code enacted in July 2023, which outlines clearer punishments for such offenses.

Instagram reported the highest number of crime incidents, with 461 victims, followed by X (formerly Twitter) at 398 victims, and TikTok at 82 victims. Moreover, 98 children fell victim to crimes via online games, where in-game voice chat communication often facilitated these inappropriate interactions.

The incidence of children turning into victims through online gaming has noticeably increased, representing 6.6% of the total number of child victims linked to social media crimes last year, up from just 3.1% in 2019. This growing trend highlights the evolving nature of social media-linked offenses affecting youth today.

In summary, Japan has witnessed a notable decline in child victims of social media-related crimes, reflecting the lowest rates in a decade. While overall incidents decreased, specific categories, particularly involving child pornography, saw significant reductions. However, nonconsensual sexual crimes have tripled, attributed to recent legislative changes, emphasizing the ongoing risks. The rise in online gaming-related offenses further underlines the complexity of challenges faced by children today as they navigate social media platforms.

Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp