390/67 Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Online child grooming in the UK has now reached a record high, particularly on the platform Snapchat, which has become one of the preferred channels for offenders. Data from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) reveals that in the 2023/24 period, there were 7,062 cases of sexual crimes involving communication with children. Half of these cases occurred on Snapchat (48%), with other commonly used platforms including WhatsApp (12%), Facebook and Messenger (10%), Instagram (6%), and Kik (5%). Young children and girls are often targeted, with the youngest victim recorded as only five years old. Such incidents have led the NSPCC to urge the government and media regulators like Ofcom to implement stricter measures to prevent online child abuse. NSPCC also emphasizes that social media platforms should collaborate to prevent these crimes proactively, rather than reacting after harm has occurred.
Parents can help protect their children by maintaining open communication and regularly monitoring their internet usage. If a child finds themselves being blackmailed, they are advised to inform a trusted adult, block the perpetrator, avoid sharing further information, and seek assistance from professionals. The NSPCC suggests the following five essential steps:
- Talk about online safety – Encourage open discussions, and let children ask questions if they feel unsafe.
- Set parental controls – Use device settings to manage children’s access on apps and games.
- Review social media use – Ensure children’s privacy settings are appropriately configured.
- Promote safe online habits – Advise children not to share personal information with strangers.
- Create a safe space for communication – Reassure children that they can talk to their parents without fear.
Source https://hackread.com/online-child-grooming-cases-happen-on-snapchat/
