A report by Dagens Nyheter highlights how young girls using the Vinted secondhand clothing app are targeted with sexual messages, including requests for nude photos and body comments. The piece reflects growing concerns about online safety for minors, particularly in spaces deemed safe for adult users. Cecilia Bödker Pedersen, secretary general of the nonprofit Storasyster, emphasizes that such behavior is completely unacceptable, regardless of the platform used.

Although Vinted is intended for users over 18, minors can access the app with parental permission, which raises additional concerns about the protection of young users. Many of the 28 girls interviewed by Dagens Nyheter were under 18 or were when they first encountered these sexual messages. This situation reflects a broader issue of digital harassment occurring across platforms frequented by youth, making it a critical area for intervention and awareness.

Law enforcement, the Gender Equality Authority, and organizations fighting sexual violence echo the need for increased vigilance in online spaces frequented by children and adolescents. The increase in reported sexual crimes against minors online is alarming, especially as platforms like Vinted continue to allow access by younger users. These developments highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations and protective measures to safeguard young individuals from predatory behaviors in the digital marketplace.