MORE THAN 600 sexual offences against children under the age of eight were recorded by West Midlands Police last year.
A Freedom of Information request to police forces by the NSPCC shows that, in 2018/19, 611 offences were recorded by West Midlands Police.
The charity also found there were at least 7,618 recorded sexual offences against children aged four to eight nationally.
It also revealed that last year hundreds of children under the age of 11 living across the UK contacted Childline about sexual abuse.
In response, the NSPCC is relaunching its Talk PANTS campaign, which helps parents with children aged eight and under to have vital conversations about staying safe from sexual abuse.
The charity’s PANTS rules, Pantosaurus song and activity pack help parents find the right words to talk to their children about staying safe.
The NSPCC is encouraging parents to donate to the charity to get the PANTS activity pack and help protect a generation of children from abuse.
The charity has also produced new videos which show children using the PANTS activities.
Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “It is very concerning that the number of recorded sexual offences against young children is at such a high level and it is vital we do more to help them stay safe from sexual abuse.
“That is why Talk PANTS is such an important tool for parents as it enables them to have vital conversations with their child in an age appropriate way.”
