Urgent: Cyber Grooming Surge on Snapchat – RTL Investigation Reveals Alarming Trend
Published: September 11, 2025, 7:30 PM PDT
Berlin, Germany – A chilling investigation by RTL has revealed the terrifyingly easy access predators have to children on Snapchat, sparking urgent concerns about the safety of young people online. The report, which included a live experiment, demonstrates how quickly and aggressively groomers attempt to exploit minors on the popular social media platform. This breaking news underscores a growing crisis in online child safety, with authorities reporting a significant increase in related crimes.
Image: A still from the RTL investigation showing the setup used to simulate a 12-year-old’s Snapchat profile.
Snapchat: A Hotspot for Grooming Attempts
More than half of Germany’s children and adolescents use Snapchat daily, making it a prime hunting ground for pedocriminals. The app’s features – photo and video sharing with filters and text – are being actively exploited to manipulate and sexually abuse minors. RTL’s experiment involved two adult actresses posing as a 12-year-old girl on Snapchat for just three days. The results were deeply disturbing. Within moments of creating the profile, they were inundated with hundreds of friend requests and immediately targeted with sexually suggestive messages. Examples included explicit requests like, “May I see your underpants now?” and “Please take your dress off.”
The investigation comes as German authorities report a dramatic rise in internet-based sexual contact with minors. In 2024, police processed 3,457 cases – a 34% increase from the 2,580 cases reported in 2023. Kerstin Claus, a representative for sexual violence cases, warned, “The risk of sexual violence explodes on the net. It has never been so easy for perpetrators to reach children.”
The Tactics of Online Predators: Manipulation and Deception
The RTL experiment highlighted the sophisticated tactics employed by groomers. Predators aren’t simply asking for explicit images; they’re engaging in manipulative behavior designed to build trust and lower defenses. The report detailed instances of perpetrators deleting messages immediately after reading, repeatedly initiating video calls, and carefully wording their requests to avoid triggering filters. One individual attempted to circumvent filters by writing “you want to see P.” instead of “penis.”
One particularly harrowing case involved a man over 50 who began sending sexually explicit images and even masturbated on camera during a video call. He then attempted to contact the decoy’s fictional eight-year-old sister. The RTL team filed 17 reports with the police following the three-day experiment.
Snapchat’s Response and Ongoing Concerns
Snapchat has faced years of criticism for its perceived lack of adequate safeguards to protect young users. In response to the RTL investigation, Snapchat stated that the company “works intensively” to prevent sexual exploitation and collaborates with law enforcement. They claim to be constantly adapting security strategies, investing in technology, and striving to quickly identify and remove violating content. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient.
According to data released by the platform, Snapchat alone recorded around 20,000 cases of cyber grooming in the first half of 2024 – significantly more than Instagram, TikTok, and other popular social media platforms combined. This statistic underscores the urgent need for more robust safety measures and increased parental awareness.
Protecting Your Children: Resources and Advice
The rise in cyber grooming demands a proactive approach to online safety. Here are resources available to help parents and children:
- N.I.N.A. e. V.: [Link to N.I.N.A. e. V. website]
- Help Telephone Sexual Abuse: 0800/25 555 30
- Child and Youth Phone: 116 111
- Parent Phone: 0800 / 110 550
- White Ring: Sacrificial phone 116 006
- Youthnotsmail: [Link to Youthnotsmail website]
- Help Portal of Sexual Abuse: [Link to Help Portal website]
Experts recommend open communication with children about online safety, monitoring their online activity (with respect for their privacy), and educating them about the dangers of interacting with strangers online. It’s crucial to emphasize that it’s never a child’s fault if they are targeted by a predator.
The RTL documentary, “Attack on our children – the enemy in the chat,” aired live on Thursday, September 11th, at 8:15 p.m. and is now available on RTL+. This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking online and the urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect our children.
As technology evolves, so too will the tactics of online predators. Staying informed, fostering open communication, and utilizing available resources are essential steps in safeguarding the next generation from the devastating consequences of cyber grooming. Archyde.com will continue to provide updates and in-depth coverage on this critical issue, offering insights and resources to help families navigate the complexities of online safety.
