There is growing evidence that suggests a considerable proportion of child sexual abuse is enacted by other children and young people. An area of emerging concern is Technology-assisted harmful sexual behaviours (TA-HSB). TA-HSB can be defined as sexual-image production, possession and dissemination amongst children. TA-HSB maybe harmful to the child themselves, or others and can leave the child vulnerable to criminal charges. These behaviours, simply due to their nature can, and do attract police attention, and the way in which police respond can play a fundamental role in the outcome for these children.

This research utilised a mixed methods approach, comprising of fifteen qualitative semi-structured interviews and fifty-one quantitative responses via an online survey with serving Australian police officers. Specifically, it examines police knowledge and training on HSB, as well as police responses, use and influences on police discretion, and their willingness to divert children engaging in HSB away from the justice system.

Police collectively discussed their lack knowledge on suitable diversionary processes for TA-HSB, linked to both a lack of training and lack of available therapeutic services, therefore defaulting to a punitive response, as a way of seeking help for the child engaging in these behaviours. Police also considered TA-HSB a ‘grey’ area of policing. Some officers viewed TA-HSB as serious behaviour while others did not; leading to inconsistent responses including arrest, referral to child protection or other legal diversion. The concern being that children engaging in these behaviours are often precluded from appropriate therapeutic diversions that can aid in the desistance of HSB and prevent future offending and victimisation. If we are serious about the prevention of TA-HSB, it is imperative that children are linked to services that best address these behaviours, and officers receive the training and support needed to link children into suitable therapeutic diversion pathways.