This book argues that Britain is gripped by an endemic and ongoing panic about the position of children in society – which frames them as, alternately, victims and threats. It argues the press is a key player in promoting this discourse, which is rooted in a wide-scale breakdown in social trust.

Dr James Morrison is an experienced journalist and university lecturer. He worked for a number of years as a reporter, first on local then national newspapers – including the Independent on Sunday. He has lectured in journalism and public affairs since 2003, and is currently senior lecturer in journalism at Kingston University, UK.