Last updated by ruth.salter@essex.gov.uk on Tuesday, May 27, 2025

NSPCC Learning has published new research which shows that the most popular social media sites are failing girls, making them vulnerable to grooming, abuse and harassment.

The report found that the detailed nature of the profiles made it too easy for adult strangers to pick out girls and send uninvited messages to their accounts. Findings also showed how many of the features and functionalities used by tech companies encourage young girls to increase their online networks and online activity – often reducing their own safety.

A YouGov survey polled parents with daughters who listed contact from strangers (41%), online grooming (40%), bullying from other children (37%) and sexual abuse or harassment (36%) as their top four concerns related to their child’s experience online.

The report proposes solutions and urges the Government and technology companies to put measures in place to mitigate unsafe design features and protect girls on digital platforms.