NSPCC reports doubling of online sexual abuse cases in South West

Experts say grooming on Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok is now “quicker” and “easier” than ever, and they are urging parents to talk to their children about the danger. The warning follows the recent conviction of three men who used Snapchat to groom a 17‑year‑old before raping her, and the sentencing of a Bristol man to 17 years for arranging meetings with girls via the same apps and threatening to share intimate videos.

The rise in online sexual abuse comes as more children spend time on phones, gaming and social media. Avon and Somerset Police’s child‑exploitation officer, Andri Nicolau, says children as young as five can be targeted. Since the offence was introduced seven years ago, the NSPCC reports that sexual‑communication cases in the South West have more than doubled, reaching 756 in 2024/25. Of those, 300 were logged by Avon and Somerset Police, 96 by Gloucestershire, and 61 by Wiltshire.

Snapchat was mentioned in 324 counselling sessions about online sexual abuse between April 2025 and March 2026, a 19 % rise on the previous year. TikTok and Instagram were the next most cited platforms, with 234 and 197 mentions respectively. NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood called the figures “deeply disturbing”, noting the lasting trauma for victims and families. The Internet Watch Foundation also reports a surge in reports from young people fearing that self‑taken sexual images have been or could be shared, a practice known as sextortion.

Officials say the trend will continue unless parents and schools intervene. Nicolau stresses the need for children to feel safe asking for help without fear of blame. She works with schools to teach online safety, but many pupils still see online contacts as friends rather than strangers. The police and charities are urging families to set clear rules, monitor screen time and keep open conversations about the risks of social media. The hope is that early dialogue can stop predators before they exploit vulnerable children.