Experts are warning that social media grooming is becoming easier and quicker than ever, with Snapchat and Instagram leading the charge. Childline reported that these platforms were the top areas of concern for online sexual abuse last year.
Avon and Somerset Police's Andri Nicolau urged parents to talk to their children and encourage them to seek help without fear of blame. She highlighted the case of a 17-year-old girl groomed on Snapchat who was later raped.
New data from the NSPCC shows a doubling of sexual communication offences involving children in the South West over the past seven years. Snapchat was mentioned in 324 counselling sessions, a 19% increase from the previous year.
Nicolau stressed that children as young as five can be targeted, with online gaming and social media making them increasingly vulnerable. She advised parents to sit down with their children and reassure them it's not their fault.
Ellen Roome, campaigning since the death of her son in 2022, calls for more action to protect children online, suggesting a ban for under-16s to be more strictly enforced.
