More than 600 child grooming crimes were reported in Hampshire last year.
The figures, released by the NSPCC, show an 80 per cent increase in such offences since 2017/18.
Snapchat was the most commonly-used platform for grooming, appearing in 48 per cent of cases where the communication method was known.
Meta platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram, were involved in a quarter of cases.
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: "One year since the Online Safety Act became law and we are still waiting for tech companies to make their platforms safe for children.
"It is clear that much of this abuse is taking place in private messaging which is why we also need the UK Government to strengthen the Online Safety Act to give Ofcom more legal certainty to tackle child sexual abuse on the likes of Snapchat and WhatsApp."
Girls were the main targets, making up 81 per cent of known cases.
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