Snapchat is social media platform most closely linked to child abuse, NSPCC claims

Share Image: BBC Childline data released by the NSPCC has exposed the top five platforms and apps most frequently mentioned by young people seeking support after experiencing online sexual abuse. According to figures covering April 2025 to March 2026, Childline delivered nearly 900 counselling sessions where children discussed online sexual abuse alongside mentions of specific digital services. Snapchat emerged as the most frequently cited platform, appearing in 324 sessions, marking a 19% increase compared to the previous year. It was followed by TikTok with 234 mentions, Instagram with 197, Discord with 92, and WhatsApp with 39. Furthermore, online sexual abuse remained the single most commonly discussed concern in Childline sessions referencing Snapchat and Instagram over a three-year period. The findings coincide with the expiration of a government-mandated three-month ultimatum issued to tech giants, demanding they roll out device-level nudity-blocking technology on children’s phones and tablets. With Big Tech criticised for failing to act with sufficient urgency, the NSPCC is now pressing the UK government to step in and introduce mandatory legislation. The charity emphasises that watertight device-level safeguards are vital to protect children across diverse digital environments, including private messaging apps and gaming platforms that may fall outside standard social
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