Shocking Rise in TikTok-Related Offences
Stark new data obtained through a Freedom of Information request reveals that 4,638 TikTok-related crimes were reported to West Midlands Police between 2023 and 2025. The figures highlight a disturbing trend, with 274 victims aged under 13 and 813 teenagers aged 13 to 17 falling prey to offences including violence, sexual assault, and rape.
Ellie Lamey from JF Law, which secured the data, stated: 'The sheer volume of these cases is a stark warning to parents and authorities alike.' The data shows violence against the person as the most common offence, accounting for 3,575 incidents or 77 per cent of all cases. Sexual offences totalled 315 incidents, rising sharply from 33 in 2023 to 174 in 2025.
Regional and National Context
Comparatively, West Mercia Police recorded 1,013 TikTok-related incidents, Staffordshire Police logged 456 cases, and Warwickshire Police recorded 323 offences over the same period. The data comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's government considers imposing a social media ban for under-16s, reflecting growing concern over online harms.
BirminghamLive has contacted West Midlands Police and TikTok for comment, but no responses have been received at the time of publication. The figures serve as a stark reminder for parents to monitor their children's online activity and for authorities to strengthen safeguards on popular platforms.
