Snapchat. The hidden horrors.
I am doing more and more radio interviews as an expert in technology and AI. And sadly more and more of them are on the negative side of technology. Often I can defend both sides but not on this emotive subject. As for too long tech giants are not doing enough to safe guard our young people.
The digital age offers incredible opportunities for learning, connection, and creativity, but it also comes with significant risks, particularly for children. As someone deeply invested in technology's role in society—and as a father to a teenage daughter—this reality strikes especially close to home.
I believe that safeguarding children online requires more than just reactive measures; it calls for an educational foundation akin to road safety, something I refer to as the "digital green cross code." Which I why I was happy to spend my time going on BBC 5 LIve to discuss this with the presenters... after new shocking research from the NSPCC was revealed...
The Alarming Rise of Online Grooming
The urgency for such a framework has never been clearer. The NSPCC recently revealed that more than 7,000 instances of Sexual Communication with a Child were reported in the UK for 2023/24, marking an:
"89% increase since the offence was first codified in 2017"
What's most concerning is how platforms popular among teenagers, such as Snapchat, have become hotspots for these crimes.
The SnapChat app accounted for nearly half (48%) of grooming cases where the platform was disclosed, leveraging its appeal to younger users with disappearing messages and location-sharing features.
For a parent like me, knowing that the tools my daughter and her peers use daily are also exploited by predators is both frightening and motivating. It’s not enough for us as parents to simply warn our kids; we need to teach them how to navigate these spaces with an instinctual sense of safety, much like they would when crossing the street.
Why We Need a Digital Green Cross Code
The idea behind a digital green cross code is straightforward: instil a set of practices and habits that children can apply every time they engage online.
Just as we teach them to "stop, look, and listen" before crossing the road, they should learn to pause, evaluate, and act wisely in digital interactions. This isn't just about instilling fear or mistrust but about equipping them with the confidence to make safe choices.
For example, my daughter knows to check the privacy settings on her apps, ensuring that features like location sharing are disabled unless explicitly needed (and really they are used just for me) We’ve had conversations about recognising red flags in conversations with strangers online, understanding that not every interaction is what it seems.
These are lessons I hope will become second nature to her, just like buckling a seatbelt in the car. The sad thing is that we can't see what happens online - unlike when she is with me in the car...
A Personal Perspective: Parenting in the Digital Age
Having a teenage daughter brings the challenges of online safety into sharp focus for me. She, like many teens, is a daily user of social media platforms, and with that comes exposure to potential risks. I’ve seen firsthand how apps like Snapchat, with their vanishing messages, filters and AI bots, can be both a fun way to communicate and a risky tool for those with harmful intent. The fact that platforms like Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp also feature in a significant number of grooming cases underscores the widespread nature of this issue.
For parents who may feel overwhelmed, I share this advice:
- be proactive.
- teach your children to pause before sharing—to think critically about the content they post or send.
- encourage them to evaluate their interactions, questioning if a conversation feels off or too personal too quickly.
Most importantly, create an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, knowing they won’t be met with immediate reprimand but instead with understanding and guidance.
The Role of Tech Companies and Legislation
While parental education and open dialogue are critical, they are only one part of the solution. The NSPCC’s findings make it clear that legislative measures, such as the Online Safety Act, need robust enforcement to hold tech companies accountable.
Platforms must not only implement but enhance their safety features to prevent harm proactively. This includes making reporting tools more accessible and updating algorithms to flag suspicious behaviour swiftly.
As I often say in my talks and workshops, technology’s potential is immense, but so are its responsibilities. Tech companies must design their products with safety as a fundamental feature, not an afterthought. It’s not just about compliance with laws but about the ethical obligation to protect their youngest and most vulnerable users.
Teaching Safety Beyond the Home
Education systems can play a significant role here as well. Digital literacy should be embedded in school curriculums from an early age, reinforcing the digital green cross code until it becomes a natural part of how children interact with technology.
I envision school lessons that cover everything from recognising risky online behaviour to understanding the implications of a digital footprint. Just as schools teach the importance of physical health, mental health, and social interaction, they must include digital safety as part of preparing children for the realities of modern life.
Whether this needs me in my green cross code outfit is a different discussion entirely. (Do remember this was made by AI and not real) Unlike the ever present danger for our children on Snapchat - which unlike my outfit - is no laughing matter...
A Shared Responsibility
Protecting children online requires a collective effort. As parents, we must educate and equip our children, but tech companies, educators, and policymakers also need to contribute to a culture of safety. Only by working together can we create an environment where children can explore, learn, and connect online without the constant shadow of danger.
As a father, a tech futurist, and a public speaker passionate about technology's role in society, I know that we can’t afford to wait.
I talk about the digital green cross code not just as an idea, but as an essential practice for our time—one that I hope to see adopted widely to help protect not just my daughter but all young people navigating this connected world.