Messaging apps trigger rise in Tayside child grooming offences

Child grooming offences in Tayside have almost doubled in five years as offenders make use of messaging apps as a “gateway” to new victims.

New data shows 64 grooming or grooming-related offences were recorded by officers last year.

In comparison, 33 similar offences were logged in 2013, covering the legal offence of grooming as well as incidents in which children were made to participate in sexual activity, or made to look at sexual images.

More than half of the offences logged last year related to causing children to look at sexual images – which can include sending explicit pictures online.

DCI Graham Binnie, of Tayside’s public protection unit, said keeping children safe was a top priority for the area force.

He said: “Our message for perpetrators is very clear: we employ the latest technology to investigate online abuse and trace offenders.”

The NSPCC said the growth of social media played a significant part.

A spokesman said: “The threat posed to children by online groomers has increased in recent years and we know the internet and social media are used as gateways by abusers to commit dozens of offences against children each year.

“It is vital young people are taught about the dangers of talking to strangers online and parents should have regular discussions with their children about internet safety.

“But it’s crucial more is done to ensure children’s privacy and safety online.”

The charity is spearheading a new campaign, #Wildwestweb to force firms to use technology to flag up potential grooming behaviour.