Child protection campaigners have raised fresh alarm about what they describe as a growing problem of online grooming on popular social media platforms, saying the practice is becoming "easier" and increasingly affecting very young children, including some as young as five.
According to the accounts driving the concern, perpetrators are using features of apps such as Snapchat and Instagram to make contact with children and move conversations into private channels. The concern has prompted urgent calls from charities and advocacy groups for platforms, regulators and governments to introduce stronger safeguards.
Why experts are alarmed
Campaigners say a combination of widespread platform use among children, private messaging functions and content that disappears or is difficult to monitor can create opportunities for those seeking to exploit minors. They warn that these dynamics make it harder for parents and authorities to spot grooming behaviour early and to gather evidence when abuse occurs.
Calls for reform
Child welfare organisations and other campaign groups are urging a range of measures, from improved age verification and safer default settings to greater transparency about how platforms detect and respond to abusive behaviour. They are also pressing policymakers to consider regulatory changes that would place clearer duties on social media companies to protect young users.
Social media firms have been targeted in the debate because of their scale and the central role their services play in young people's social lives. Advocates argue that technological fixes, stronger moderation and better education for parents and children must form part of a coordinated response.
Implications and next steps
The reports have intensified discussion about the balance between online privacy and child safety, and are likely to add political momentum to ongoing efforts to tighten rules for tech companies. Campaigners say swift action is needed to prevent further harm and to ensure that young users can access digital services without being put at unacceptable risk.