Children as young as four are becoming victims of disturbing online grooming crimes, with offences more than doubling in the West Midlands region, according to new data from the NSPCC. The charity has called for immediate steps by technology companies and government regulators to tackle this alarming rise.
Police forces in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, and West Mercia reported 391 sexual communication with a child offences last year—over twice the 194 cases recorded when the law was introduced in 2017/18. Nationwide, the youngest identified victim of online grooming was just four years old, underscoring how deeply pervasive the issue has become.
The NSPCC’s figures, compiled from 44 police forces across the UK, found that 7,263 such offences occurred in the last year alone—a record high. Where gender data was available, 80% of the targeted children were girls. Snapchat emerged as the platform most frequently exploited by offenders, accounting for a significant proportion of the 2,111 crimes where the platform was identified.
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Experts warn that the actual number of offences is likely much higher, as many abuses occur in private messaging spaces that are difficult to monitor. Personal testimonies collected by the NSPCC highlight the emotional trauma children face. One 14-year-old shared how an older online contact coerced her into sending explicit images, leaving her feeling manipulated and anxious. Meanwhile, a parent from the Midlands recounted the shock of discovering their daughter had been groomed without their knowledge, struggling to reassure her that she was not to blame.
To combat this, the NSPCC has released new research recommending a comprehensive approach to prevent, detect, and disrupt grooming—focusing on simultaneous implementation of safety measures that protect children throughout the grooming process. The charity urges tech companies, the regulator Ofcom, and government bodies to deploy all available tools to halt online predators effectively.
Chris Sherwood, NSPCC Chief Executive, emphasized the urgency: “It’s deeply alarming that online grooming crimes have reached a record high on platforms children use daily. The trauma doesn’t end with the messages—it can cause lasting anxiety, depression, and shame. Tech firms must prioritize child safety by embedding protective measures in platform design from the outset.”
The NSPCC’s research also highlights tactics used by offenders, including creating multiple profiles and manipulating young users across different platforms. These insights underpin their call for stronger, coordinated action to safeguard children online.