Massive rise in online grooming crimes against children

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) found that online grooming crimes against children has increased by 89 per cent in six years, and are calling for a strengthened approach from Ofcom and for tougher legislation from the UK government.

More than 7,000 Sexual Communication with a Child offences were recorded by police last year. Almost half of offences were on Snapchat, where a means of communication was known.

Most grooming cases take place against girls while primary school children are also being targeted by offenders.

The NSPCC urged Ofcom to significantly strengthen its approach to child sexual abuse and for the UK government to ensure the regulator can tackle grooming in private messaging.

New data revealed the most common platforms that perpetrators used to target children online, in cases where the means of communication was disclosed.

These include Snapchat (48 per cent), WhatsApp (12 per cent), and Facebook Messenger (10 per cent).

Perpetrators typically used mainstream and open web platforms as the first point of contact with children.

This can include social media chat apps, video games and messaging apps on consoles, dating sites and chatrooms. Perpetrators then encourage children to continue communication on private and encrypted messaging platforms where abuse can proceed undetected.

Of total cases where gender was known, 81 per cent of children targeted were girls.

The youngest victim of online grooming last year was a five-year-old boy.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is a UK charity that works to protect children and prevent abuse.