● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
Childline and NSPCC report increased online grooming on Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram
Key points
- Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram are top platforms for online sexual abuse.
- Childline reported a 19% increase in Snapchat-related counseling sessions.
- Sexual communication offenses in the South West doubled since 2017.
- Sextortion cases are also at record levels, according to IWF.
Rise in Online Grooming Incidents
Experts are cautioning parents about an increase in online grooming, stating it has become "quicker" and "easier." Childline identified Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram as the primary platforms mentioned by children seeking counseling for online sexual abuse last year. Avon and Somerset Police's child exploitation prevention officer, Andri Nicolau, noted that children as young as five are being targeted across social media, gaming, and messaging platforms.
Statistical Evidence of Escalation
Research from the NSPCC reveals that sexual communication offenses involving children in the South West have more than doubled since their introduction seven years ago, reaching 756 cases in 2024/25. Of these, 300 were recorded by Avon and Somerset Police. The charity also reported that Snapchat was mentioned in 324 counseling sessions related to online sexual abuse between April 2025 and March 2026, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. TikTok (234 mentions) and Instagram (197 mentions) followed as frequently cited platforms.
Impact on Victims and Families
Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC, expressed concern over the hundreds of children disclosing online sexual abuse linked to these popular applications. He highlighted that these crimes are highly distressing and often result in long-lasting negative impacts for victims and their families. The warning follows recent cases, including the jailing of three men for grooming and raping a 17-year-old girl on Snapchat, and Suleman Aqeel for using social media to meet and exploit young girls.
Record Levels of Sextortion
New data indicates that 'sextortion,' a form of child exploitation, has reached record levels. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reported a sharp increase in young people contacting their Report Remove helpline due to fears that sexual images of themselves have been or could be shared online. Criminals use these images to extort or blackmail victims by threatening to publish them.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Childline and NSPCC data indicate a rise in online sexual abuse and grooming cases involving children on platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. Experts and law enforcement warn that grooming is becoming quicker and easier, with children as young as five being targeted, leading to calls for increased parental awareness and intervention.