Online grooming crimes against children have reached a record high, with Snapchat identified as the most popular platform for offenders. Data from the United Kingdom’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) indicates a concerning 89% increase in online grooming crimes against children over the past six years. In the most recent reporting period of 2023/24, police recorded over 7,062 offences of Sexual Communication with a Child, with nearly half of these incidents occurring on Snapchat. Other platforms frequently used by offenders include WhatsApp, Facebook and Messenger, Instagram, and Kik.
The statistics provided by 45 UK police forces shed light on a troubling rise in online grooming cases, legally known as “Sexual Communication with a Child,” with girls accounting for 81% of the victims. Alarmingly, even primary school-aged children are being targeted, with the youngest victim recorded at just five years old. Predators are utilizing mainstream social media platforms such as Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Facebook to target children initially before moving communication to private and encrypted messaging platforms where abuse can happen unnoticed.
One victim, Thomas, shared his harrowing experience of being groomed online at the age of 14. Initially feeling supported by the predator, Thomas soon found himself pressured into sending explicit pictures and feeling trapped by threats of exposure. Despite ultimately blocking the abuser, Thomas experienced lasting fear and anxiety as a result of the ordeal.
The NSPCC is calling on Ofcom to enhance its approach to child sexual abuse and urging the UK government to empower the regulator to address grooming in private messaging. The charity advocates for social media platforms to take proactive steps in preventing abuse rather than simply reacting after harm has occurred. Additionally, the NSPCC is pushing for the reinforcement of laws regarding private messaging platforms like Snapchat and WhatsApp, where much of the abuse transpires. Although the new Online Safety Act will impose obligations on social media companies to safeguard children, many of these regulations will not come into effect until 2025 or later.
Legal expert Mark Jones from law firm Payne Hicks Beach emphasized the challenges posed by Snapchat’s disappearing messages feature, making it difficult to take action against abusers effectively. With the delayed implementation of the Online Safety Act, Jones urges platforms like Snapchat to reassess their approach to child protection and find better ways to ensure children are safeguarded.
In light of the escalating threats of online grooming and cybercrime against children, parents must remain vigilant about their children’s online activities. Encouraging open conversations about online safety, implementing parental controls, monitoring social media usage, promoting safe online habits, and creating a safe space for communication are essential steps parents can take to protect their kids.
If a child finds themselves being blackmailed or groomed by an online predator, it is crucial to inform a trusted adult immediately, block all communication with the predator, refrain from sharing additional information or images, report the situation to the relevant platform or authorities, and seek professional support to cope with the emotional impact.
By staying informed, maintaining open communication, and advocating for stronger laws and platform regulations, parents and communities can work together to protect children from the growing threat of online grooming and create a safer digital environment for the next generation.