Experts are sounding the alarm as children as young as five years old are increasingly being groomed on social media and gaming platforms. With the rise of apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, the issue of online sexual abuse is becoming "quicker" and "easier" than ever before.
Growing Concerns
Childline reported that Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram were the most frequently mentioned platforms by children during counselling sessions about online sexual abuse last year. Andri Nicolau, a child exploitation prevention officer with Avon and Somerset Police, emphasized the need for parents to engage in open conversations with their children about online safety. She stated that children can be targeted through various platforms, including social media and gaming.
“"Encourage kids to ask for help without fear of blame or punishment," Nicolau advised.
This warning follows the recent conviction of three men who were jailed for grooming a 17-year-old girl on Snapchat before raping her. Research from the NSPCC indicates that sexual communication offences involving children in the South West have more than doubled since the offence was introduced seven years ago, with 756 cases reported in 2024/25.
Alarming Statistics
- 300 offences recorded by Avon and Somerset Police
- 96 by Gloucestershire Constabulary
- 61 by Wiltshire Police
The NSPCC also highlighted that Snapchat was mentioned in 324 counselling sessions about online sexual abuse between April 2025 and March 2026, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. TikTok and Instagram followed with 234 and 197 mentions, respectively.
Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC, expressed concern over the disturbing trend:
“"It's deeply disturbing that hundreds of children have come to us in the past year alone, disclosing experiences of online sexual abuse linked to these popular apps and platforms."
