The National Crime Agency (NCA) of Britain has issued a stark warning about a surge in online threats to young individuals due to sadistic groups that are actively recruiting teenagers. The agency's annual crime trends report revealed a sixfold increase in incidents related to these online gangs from 2022 to 2024. These groups encourage young members, particularly boys, to share disturbing and misogynistic materials while coercing others into self-harm, sexual abuse, or violence.
Graeme Biggar, director general of the NCA, emphasized the omnipresence of these groups, which inhabit the same popular online platforms that teenagers frequent daily. He stressed the importance of recognizing that these threats are not confined to the dark corners of the internet. Alarmingly, teenage boys are becoming involved in targeting and grooming young girls, some as young as 11, leading to severe consequences, including instances of self-harm and suicide encouragement.
The NCA's National Strategic Assessment for 2024 highlights the growing complexity of these online networks, which pose an unprecedented risk to vulnerable youths. The alarming trends underscore the need for heightened awareness and protective measures for young people navigating the modern digital landscape.
