Adolescents accessing indecent images of children

Abstract

This paper considers the legal consequences of adolescents accessing indecent images of children. It challenges the current default position that such behaviour is illegal and worthy of punishment. The paper seeks to understand the circumstances in which adolescents may seek age-appropriate material and considers whether this is more blameworthy than those who engage in physical sexual contact with other adolescents. By examining the legal frameworks of indecent images and contact offending the paper concludes that there is unfair disparity within the criminal justice system.

Keywords:

• Adolescent
• indecent images of children
• child exploitation