Snapchat and Instagram grooming becoming 'easier'
Published
What's this about?
Online grooming is rising, with children as young as five targeted, prompting calls for reform.
The one-panel cartoon
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A child's bedroom filled with colorful toys and a large, open window through which a menacing silhouette of an adult looms, holding a smartphone with a Snapchat app open and glowing ominously.
Caption: Safety features now include 'easy reach' for distant friends.
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on bbc.co.uk.
Editor's note
As technology evolves, the challenges of safeguarding children's innocence online grow ever more complex. It's imperative that we consider not just the immediate dangers but also the long-term impacts of digital platforms on young minds, ensuring that future generations can navigate the internet with safety and integrity.
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Panel 1
(a) What the subject is: Snapchat and Instagram are social media platforms designed for sharing and connecting with friends and family. They are popular among teenagers and young adults, but also increasingly used by younger children. (b) The real irony or absurdity: The irony lies in the fact that these platforms, designed to foster connections and share moments, are being used to target and manipulate vulnerable children. (c) The funniest observation: The absurdity that social media platforms meant for sharing happy moments are now being exploited for sinister purposes, turning joyful interactions into potential dangers for young users. ### Script
Panel 2
*Setting: A small bedroom with a child’s bed, a desk with school supplies, and a lamp. A child, LUCY (9 years old), is sitting at the desk, scrolling through her smartphone. The screen shows a SnapChat story with a message from someone who seems friendly but unfamiliar.* LUCY (to herself)
LUCY: This person seems nice... but why are they asking so many personal questions?
Panel 3
*Setting: The same bedroom, with Lucy now standing by the window, looking concerned. She holds her phone, showing a message asking for her address and school details. A framed picture of her family sits on the desk behind her.* LUCY (to herself, worried)
LUCY: Is it really safe to share this much info? My parents would freak if they knew...
Panel 4
*Setting: The same bedroom, but now Lucy is sitting on her bed, looking at her phone with a sigh. Her teddy bear is next to her. The screen shows a SnapChat message with a smiley face emoji and a sinister note saying * LUCY (to herself, exasperated)
Setting: meet me somewhere private.
LUCY: I just wanted to share my cat videos... now I’m getting creepy messages. Great, social media.
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