Online grooming crimes against children have reached record levels across the UK, with the number of offences surpassing 7,000 for the first time, according to new data released by the NSPCC.
The national children’s charity is calling for more “ambitious regulation” to make online platforms safer for children and young people.
Data compiled by the NSPCC from 45 UK police forces shows a total of 7,062 offences relating to ‘Sexual Communication with a Child’ were recorded in the year 2023-24, representing an 89% in the 6 years since the offence first came into force (2017-18).
The figures also reveal:
- Almost half of offences (48%) where a means of communication are known were committed on Snapchat
- The majority of online grooming offences (81%) were committed against girls
- Offenders are also targeting primary school children, with the youngest victim being a 5-year-old boy
Online grooming thrives in private and encrypted messaging platforms
The NSPCC found that perpetrators of online grooming typically used mainstream and open web platforms as the first point of contact with children. This includes social media chat apps, video games and messaging apps on consoles, dating sites and chatrooms.
In addition to Snapchat, children were also targeted on WhatsApp (12%), Facebook and Messenger (10%), Instagram (6%) and Kik (5%).
Once perpetrators have made contact, they will then typically encourage children to continue communicating with them using private and encrypted messaging platforms where abuse can easily remain undetected.
Proactive measures needed to tackle online grooming
The NSPCC is now urging Ofcom to strengthen its approach to social media platforms, implementing stricter rules for them to tackle online grooming and child sexual abuse. They say the regulator “puts too much focus on acting after harm has taken place,” and are calling for more proactive measures to ensure the design features of social media apps do not facilitate abuse.
They are also urging the government to strengthen the Online Safety Act to ensure online grooming cannot continue undisturbed in private messages on Snapchat, WhatsApp and other applications.
And, of course, social media companies themselves must take more responsibility for protecting children and young people using their platforms.
‘Ambitious regulation’ needed to stop apps being exploited
The NSPCC hosts a young people’s group, the Voice of Online Youth, who help advise on online safety. They have highlighted that social media features such as disappearing messages (Snapchat), location sharing and lenient rules of use can pose a risk to children online.
Responding to the record level of online grooming offences, the Chief Executive of the NSPCC, Sir Peter Wanless, said:
“One year since the Online Safety Act became law and we are still waiting for tech companies to make their platforms safe for children.
“We need ambitious regulation by Ofcom who must significantly strengthen their current approach to make companies address how their products are being exploited by offenders.
“It is clear that much of this abuse is taking place in private messaging which is why we also need the Government [to] strengthen the Online Safety Act to give Ofcom more legal certainty to tackle child sexual abuse on the likes of Snapchat and WhatsApp.”
Anyone who has concerns that a child may be being subjected to online grooming and sexual abuse can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, e-mail them at help@NSPCC.org.uk or complete their ‘report abuse’ online form.
Safeguarding children means protecting them on and offline
First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care, safeguarding and more.
They work with a large number of early years, schools and childcare providers, as well as colleges, youth groups and children’s services. Their courses include Safeguarding Children.
A trainer from FRT says:
“Safeguarding children means protecting them off and online. It’s so important that we are mindful of the harms they could be exposed to online and that there are mechanisms in place to protect them, and to offer them help and support when they need it most.
“It’s vital that anyone who works with children and young people is aware of their responsibility for safeguarding children and that they can recognise the signs that indicate a child may be experiencing abuse, including online grooming, and know the correct action to take in response.”
For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.