I’m looking for advice about supporting my 16-year-old niece’s safety online. We don’t have a relationship because my relationship with her parents is fractured.
A friend recently told me that a video of my niece had appeared on her TikTok For You page. She was wearing a very revealing Halloween costume, and I’m concerned about the attention she could receive from adults online.
I have previously raised a safeguarding concern with family services about posts in which she asked who would invite her to Los Angeles. I worry that someone could exploit her interest in travelling or offer opportunities that aren’t what they seem.
My concern is for her safety, and I recognise that responsibility for any predatory behaviour lies entirely with the person behaving that way. I want her to have the support and knowledge to recognise manipulation, grooming and unsafe offers.
Unfortunately, communication with my brother has broken down, and I don’t believe he would be receptive to concerns from me. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What practical steps can I take from a distance to support her safety while respecting her privacy and avoiding further family conflict?