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Dear Resident, You walk past your young teenage daughter’s closed bedroom door, but something doesn’t feel right. It’s midnight, and you hear her having a late-night conversation with someone.
This was the reality for one worried mum in recent months, who called us because naturally she wanted to do all she could to keep her daughter protected and safe.
Difficult conversations followed between mum and daughter, but the young girl tearfully confided that she had been speaking to a stranger – an older man – online through social media.
The girl said she had started speaking to the man on a gaming app before the conversation moved to Snapchat, where they had shared explicit images of each other. The conversation had been going on for two months with the man, who told the girl he was 17.
An investigation has been launched, enquiries are ongoing and steps have been taken to safeguard the girl, who lives in Huntingdonshire. Cases like these are flagged up to us more regularly than you might think, and our officers work hard to safeguard children but we can’t do it alone.
You may think children aren’t exploited where you live or it won’t happen to those you know – but the above suggests differently.
Do you know how to spot if a child in your life is being groomed online? Mobile phones and social media mean children can be vulnerable to those who prey on their innocence and exploit their trust.
Please take the time to speak to your children, those you care for or family and friends about any concerns you have. One conversation could be the start towards making a real difference.
Concerns can also be reported to us and we can take steps to help, just like in the case above. For more advice and info about keeping the children in your life safe online, visit our dedicated web page.
Kind regards, |
