How to keep your children safe from predators on holiday: We reveal the popular destinations marred by sex attacks – and what every parent must know to avoid their worst nightmare

There’s a line between caution and paranoia which needs to be considered when holidaying with your children.

So, while trips abroad should be a time for freedom and new experiences for young ones, it’s wise to ensure that they are properly and safely organised to minimise the chances of attacks and incidents involving sexual predators.

‘While it’s really important to reiterate the ‘stranger danger’ rules of home, while abroad be honest, open and age-appropriate when discussing your child’s safety abroad,’ says best-selling author and child development specialist Fi Star.

‘Parents should echo the same age-appropriate cautions made at home, but in a way that doesn’t terrify them to the point of not enjoying their holiday or having the confidence to do activities independently. Ditch the scare-mongering stories in favour of sensible rules you all follow to keep them safe.’

It’s worth stating that attacks on children in popular holiday destinations are still very rare. Yet incidents over the last few years have, understandably, put pressure on local authorities to do more to maintain an area’s reputation as being safe for family holidays.

It’s also made parents think more carefully about where they should next take their fortnight in the sun with kids in tow.

The following are destinations where, due to recent incidents against children, we recommend that parents take particular care with supervising their children to ensure that everything goes without a hitch.

Spain

Sex crimes against children are rare in Spain, but more popular tourist hotspots, such as Magaluf and Benidorm, have seen a rise in predatory behaviour towards younger visitors – particularly teenagers who might be intoxicated.

In September 2023, it was reported that an 11‑year‑old autistic Irish boy was playing with other children at his resort in Costa Adeje when a man approached and touched the child’s genitals over his trousers. The attack was witnessed by the boy’s family who chased him away. The incident was caught on CCTV, and the suspect was arrested by local police.

And in April 2022, in Calella – just 30 miles east of Barcelona – a 14‑year‑old British girl holidaying with her parents was claimed to have been sexually assaulted in her hotel. A man was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor.

‘Holidays are for relaxing and having fun, but with children you always feel like you’re on duty,’ says Star.

‘To make sure your little ones are safe as well as getting that much needed ‘relax time’, take it in turns to keep an eye on your child.

‘And don’t ever worry about reporting any suspicious characters to staff or local police if concerned. The old phrase ‘better safe than sorry’ comes into play here. Equally, encourage your children to always report to you or a hotel staff member anything or anyone they feel uncomfortable about.’

UK

Even on a holiday within the UK, it’s prudent to be cautious, particularly in the busiest parts of central London.

Your main cause for concern is likely to be pick-pockets – especially in and around tube stations – but more serious crimes against children have occurred.

In August last year, an 11‑year‑old Australian girl visiting the capital with her mother was stabbed eight times with a steak knife in Leicester Square by a stranger. Members of the public intervened and detained the attacker until police arrived.

When it comes to spotting potential attackers, Star suggests that parents should ‘be wary of individuals taking photos or videos of your child without consent, anyone observing your child constantly or paying them an unusual amount of attention, or individuals hanging around children’s areas such as play parks or the kids pool but without children of their own’.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on your children while enjoying beaches in popular tourist destinations such as Devon, Cornwall and West Wales. Predators have been known to secretly take pictures and videos of young children while playing on the beach wearing swimming costumes.

France

France is a very safe country to visit in the main and, just like London, the most common crime is pick-pocketing on the Paris metro. However, more serious offences against children are not unheard of.

In June 2023, a three‑year‑old British girl was among four children who were stabbed in an Annecy playground by a man shouting religious phrases.

And in 2016, at a holiday campsite in the Sisteron region, a mother and her three daughters, aged eight, 12 and 14, were attacked with a knife while eating breakfast at a campsite. The youngest child suffered a punctured lung and required emergency surgery.

Again, the attacker was apprehended, but the message is clear: a playground or a family campsite with a kids club is still a place where parents shouldn’t feel uncomfortable about asking questions in advance of their holiday.

‘They can be lots of fun and filled with activities,’ says Star, ‘but don’t feel you have to take the resort or campsite’s word for it that staff are qualified or DBS checked. Ask to see qualifications of childcare staff before leaving your kids with them. You’ll feel a lot better and enjoy your child-free time knowing they’re in good hands.’

Turkey

There were 42 sexual assault cases reported in 2023 by British nationals in Turkey – with some involving children. These mostly occurred in coastal resort areas, in public washrooms or by staff at hotels and resorts.

An Irish family on holiday in Antalya in May 2022 reported a terrifying abduction attempt when two men tried to grab a two‑year‑old girl. Covering her with a towel and attempting to carry her away, the girl’s parents succeeded in fending them off before raising the alarm.

‘Child-free time is an important element of any family holiday,’ says Star. But don’t ever be tempted to leave your child unattended in a hotel room, especially in the evenings. Not even for a short time. It simply isn’t worth the risk.’

The UK Foreign Office currently cautions parents to closely supervise children in Turkey – especially in public bathrooms and in hotels.

Thailand

Child prostitution and sex trafficking remain serious problems in Thailand, particularly in tourist heavy areas and, there have been several reports of high-profile arrests of British nationals accused of grooming children.

In December last year, a 30-year-old British tourist was arrested in Pattaya after being identified by the UK’s National Crime Agency for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl and filming the abuse. The Child Protection Bureau pressed charges for ‘raping a minor under the age of 13’.

And in January this year, a 39-year-old migrant from Myanmar was detained in Kamala, Phuket, for trying to sexually assault a 14-year-old girl, threatening her with a knife. He was arrested within 12 hours.

Star advises: ‘Never give out info to any adults asking for constant details or social media handles and be aware of anyone offering unusual amounts of favours such as free rides, sweets, gifts or trips to your children.’

Thailand does now have a Tourist Police Bureau, though parents should avoid isolated areas and manage supervision of children tightly.

Disney resorts

Disneyland Paris’ reputation as being one of the safest family holiday destinations was damaged last month by the widely reported ‘fake child wedding’. A 39-year-old convicted British sex offender, Jacky Jhaj, was arrested at the resort after a staged ceremony with a nine-year-old Ukrainian girl.

Jhaj hired extras, falsified documents and spent thousands renting park time, but the event was shut down by Disney staff before any abuse occurred. He’s now charged with fraud, money laundering and identity theft.

In Disneyland California, a 38-year-old man from Calgary was arrested in New Orleans Square in April this year after stripping naked and climbing atop a roofed restaurant area.

‘Be aware of individuals who are ‘hands-on’, including any hotel or kids club staff,’ Star. ‘This includes inappropriate behaviour such as hugging, touching, inappropriate comments or invites to go off with them.’

Bulgaria

In general, sexual crimes targeting children holidaying with families is low in Bulgaria, but there have been incidents involving molestation.

In 2012, a Ukrainian man in his 40s was reported to have attacked eight boys at the Pomorie Hotel in the Sunny Beach resort – first in the sea, then inside a hotel toilet. British holidaymakers alerted the police, but the man was merely fined for ‘hooliganism’ and then released.

And in 2017, 59-year-old Philip Robertson, from Scotland, was arrested and jailed after groping and kissing young girls aged ten and 12 in hotel lifts. Robertson had also exposed himself at schools in Scotland prior to his departure. He received an eight-month sentence and was placed on the sex offenders register.

‘Take time to prepare for your trip and check the local area on gov.uk travel advice,’ suggests Star, ‘and do talk to other families who have travelled there before – Tripadvisor is particularly honest!’

Cyprus

Sexual attacks against children are unusual in Cyprus – its reputation as a safe holiday island remains valid. Incidents that do occur, however, are rare, but often serious.

A 76-year-old man holidaying in Cyprus in 2023 was sentenced in June this year to six years in jail for sexually abusing his partner’s six-year-old granddaughter throughout the summer while she was staying with him.

And, back in 2018, a British minor holidaying with his family in Paphos was raped by a 19-year-old local male. Initially, the assailant received six years in prison but in Cyprus’ Supreme Court deemed that sentence ‘manifestly inadequate’ and in November increased it to nine years.

There was also an attempted child abduction at a beach resort in Protaras in the summer of 2018. A gang posing as hotel staff tried to lure and abduct children into unmarked vehicles at the poolside. Luckily, a vigilant father intervened, detained one suspect and alerted the local authorities.

Cruise ships

It’s hard to think of a safer family-friendly environment than a cruise ship – but there have been recent incidents involving children.

In March, aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, two Mexican nationals, Jose Diaz (36) and Ricardo Leal (37), were arrested for forcing a 14‑year‑old boy to perform sex acts in a sauna aboard the Independence of the Seas vessel. The boy was alone when the assault occurred, and both men were charged with lewd behaviour and molesting a minor.

In 2023, a former crew member, Arvin Joseph Mirasol, who worked aboard Royal Caribbean ships, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being caught installing hidden cameras in cabins, including bathrooms, in order to capture footage of minors in states of undress aboard the Symphony of the Seas vessel. Following his conviction, multiple passengers – including children – have filed lawsuits against Royal Caribbean.

Cruise ships are so vast that it’s possible for children to get lost on them just as easily as they could in a new city. Fi Star advises that ‘should your child become lost, it’s incredibly important to have a plan in place’.

‘Establish clear, age-appropriate communication before your holiday about what to do if they become lost and ensure everyone travelling with you knows the plan,’ she adds.

‘For younger children, putting an ID bracelet with your contact numbers on their wrist when out-and-about is ideal. For older children who want a little more independence, consider using location-sharing tools such as Apple AirTags, family location apps such as Life360 or Whatsapp’s location sharing so you know their whereabouts and can relax a little.

‘Remember,’ concludes Fi, ‘you can be aware and safe and protect your children, all while having an amazing time abroad.’

Fi Star’s parenting website, theregularparent.co.uk, offers free tips and advice for parents, as well as links to her podcast and books.