Data revealed that police dealt with 415 children under the age of 18 for sex crimes in the past three years
Jennifer Hyland Sunday Mail News Editor and John Glover Money reporter
08:47, 04 Jan 2026
Hundreds of under 18s have been reported for sex crimes in the past three years(Image: Getty Images)
The SNP Government has been blasted over the “terrifying” increase in young children being reported to police for sexual offences, according to new figures.
Cops investigated 14 children aged 12, 29 aged 13 and 47 aged 14 before referring them to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA).
It revealed in the last 18 months a total of 146 children were reported for sexual crimes to the SCRA. The figures also showed that 415 under 18s were dealt with for sex crimes including rape in the past three years.
The Sunday Mail obtained the data following a freedom of information request which revealed since 2022 the majority of children were between the ages of 12 and 17 and from 2020-2022, there were four children aged 10 referred to the SCRA.
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Scottish Tory spokesperson on victims and community safety Sharon Dowey told the paper: “It’s appalling and terrifying to think that children so young are committing such serious sexual offences in Scotland.
“These figures underline the need for greater education of our young people but also the dangers of the SNP’s soft-touch justice system in creating a climate where dangerous gangs are recruiting children into a life of crime.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Sharon Dowey.(Image: Ken Jack/Getty Images.)
Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill MSP added: “These figures are extremely concerning, and it is clear that things are heading in the wrong direction in Scotland.
“Sexual violence and domestic abuse have persistently increased across the country, with reports across sectors like education, health, and transport, of growing instances of misogynistic abuse. In the last decade, incidences of sexual crime have risen by 45% from 10,273 to 14,892, with a staggering 60 per cent increase in rape and attempted rape during that time. “We all have a part to play in challenging misogynistic behaviour and attitudes where they present themselves.
“However, it is also imperative that we free up police officers who are stuck in A&E departments and courtrooms so that they can get back to the frontline and keep our communities safe. A Scottish Labour government will be committed to reducing violence against women and girls from day one.”
Scottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill(Image: Getty Images)
In Scotland, children aged 12 and below are unable to be charged with an offence by the police. Children alleged to have broken the law are referred by the police to the Children’s Reporter.
Police can submit a joint report in serious cases to both the procurator fiscal and the Reporter in accordance with guidelines set out by the Lord Advocate.
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “Sexual offences involving children are among the most difficult and complex cases dealt with by prosecutors and supporting victims is a priority for COPFS.
“COPFS contributes to systemwide solutions to address offending behaviour in young people.
“The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child specifies that under-18s must be treated differently from adults in the justice system.
“Decisions are always taken in the public interest, including the interests of all children involved.”
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