00:00Police recorded over 8,500 child-on-child offences on children aged under 13 at or near schools
00:08in England and Wales between 2021 and 2025.
00:12The figures come from Guardian analysis of police data, with almost 2,000 reports involving
00:18rape or attempted rape.
00:19The analysis covers 33 of 43 police forces, so the true figure could be higher.
00:25The children's commissioner says peer-on-peer abuse is widespread and too often brushed
00:31under the carpet.
00:32Police say the figures are deeply concerning, but may reflect greater awareness when children
00:37report abuse.
00:39The government says schools have a statutory duty to respond to sexual violence.
