Detectives from Cheshire Police are urging parents to discuss online image sharing with their children following a recent incident in Warrington.
On Saturday, July 6, the Protecting Vulnerable People team was alerted by a concerned parent who suspected their 13-year-old daughter was being groomed on social media.
Investigations revealed that an unknown man had sent inappropriate videos to the teenager on Snapchat, and the child had also sent images of herself to the offender.
Officers have found that this man has likely contacted at least six other children via social media.
The investigation is ongoing, and officers are working hard to identify the offender.
Detectives are urging other parents to talk to their children about their online activities.
Detective sergeant Joe Davies said:“Mobile phones and social media can be valuable tools for parents and children, but unfortunately, they are also used by predators seeking to exploit children for their own sexual gratification.
“These predators often target young children, convincing them they are in love, and coercing them into sharing images and videos through social media.
“We urge all parents to speak to their children about their phone use, the apps they have installed, and who they are communicating with.
“Although this conversation can be difficult, it is crucial for young people to understand that viewing or sharing inappropriate images and videos online is not normal. It is dangerous, harmful, and once an image is sent, they lose control over where it may end up.”
Further advice and support for parents regarding online child abuse is available on the Cheshire Police website at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/online-child-abuse/
