GoKawiilUK child safety advocate says social media grooming is growing easier on apps
Child protection campaigner Simmons-Read warned that the UK's planned 2027 ban on social media for under-16s 'doesn't go far enough' and could be circumvented by criminals, potentially also deterring young people from reporting grooming. He called for tech platforms to invest more in detecting exploitation as it happens. The government said it is drafting legislation to block children from viewing or sharing nude images on devices, while Meta said it restricts contact between adults and unconnected teens and uses behavioural signals to flag possible grooming.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The exchange highlights a widening gap between child-safety advocates, who argue current and planned rules are reactive rather than preventative, and tech companies and regulators, who point to existing detection tools and upcoming legislation. If the government's device-level nudity-blocking law proceeds, the UK could become a test case for how far states can mandate on-device content controls, though its practical enforcement against determined groomers remains untested.
- Campaigner says the 2027 under-16 social media ban could be bypassed by criminals and may discourage victims from reporting abuse.
- UK government plans legislation to block children's devices from showing or sharing nude images, which it says would be a world first.
- Meta says it uses behavioural signals and contact restrictions to detect and remove accounts showing signs of grooming.
Bark Phone for Kids — With growing concerns about grooming on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, parents may want extra safeguards beyond app settings. The Bark Phone is designed specifically for kids with built-in monitoring to flag concerning content and conversations, giving parents more visibility into online risks. It's a practical tool for families wanting an added layer of protection while the broader regulatory landscape catches up.
See Bark Phone for Kids on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: bbc.co.uk, 2026-10-16
Published there as: “Snapchat and Instagram grooming becoming 'easier'”
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