Police in the UK have issued an urgent warning to parents and carers after discovering children are being actively encouraged to join a social media group where explicit material is being shared.
Group Details and Invitation Tactics
According to Derbyshire Constabulary, details of the group have been circulating on various social media platforms. The messages specifically invite young people to join a group on WhatsApp and Snapchat, with a concerning instruction: "add everyone in your contacts except your parents." This deliberate attempt to exclude parental oversight has raised significant alarm among authorities.
The force believes the group has amassed over 500 members, the majority of whom are thought to be children. The investigation was launched after the group's existence was reported to police by a concerned Derbyshire resident.
Police Advice for Parents and Carers
Detective Sergeant Sophie Draycott, from Derbyshire Constabulary’s Child Sexual Exploitation Investigation Unit, is leading the response. She has issued clear guidance for anyone responsible for children who use these popular apps.
Officers are advising parents to immediately check the privacy and security settings on WhatsApp and Snapchat on their children's devices. A crucial step is to adjust the settings so that children cannot be added to groups by people they do not know.
DS Draycott also emphasised the importance of open communication and vigilance: "We also want parents and carers to make themselves more aware of what content their children are viewing online and to check if they are part of this group."
What to Do If Your Child Is a Member
The police have provided a direct course of action for families who discover their child is involved in the group. "If parents or carers discover that their children are part of the group then you are advised to remove them from the group and to report the group directly to WhatsApp and Snapchat," stated DS Draycott.
This incident, which came to light on December 24, 2025, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers children can encounter online. Police are urging the community to remain alert and to prioritise conversations about digital safety within the home.
