Teens paying or asking others to take concert photos

Overall risk level: low. This is normal social behaviour at live events, not a red flag on its own.

At concerts and festivals, many teenagers want a decent photo or video for Instagram, TikTok, or their camera roll. If they are in the pit or far from the stage, they may ask a friend, ask someone nearby, or occasionally offer a small cash tip or send a quick amount through a payment app so the person takes a bit more care with angles or lighting. Most of the time this is harmless: a ten-second interaction, then everyone moves on.

Why parents might still hear about it

It can sound odd if you are not at the venue yourself: handing a phone to someone you do not know, or sending money for a picture. Usually the worry is practical, not dramatic: device safety, scams, or privacy, not grooming in the typical sense.

Low-level risks to be aware of

• Unlocked phone in a crowd: A stranger briefly holding the device could scroll, drop it, or in rare cases misuse access. Risk is low if the exchange is quick and in sight.
• Payment apps: Sending money to someone you will not see again can invite overcharging or fake “I will find you in the crowd” promises. Small amounts are common; still worth treating like any stranger payment.
• Photos of under-18s online: Your teen chooses what to post, but crowd shots can include other young people. A quick chat about not posting identifiable images of strangers without thinking fits here.
• Theft in dense venues: Holding a phone out for a long time or leaving it with someone who walks off is a bigger concern than the photo itself.

What parents can do

• Treat it as normal unless money or trust gets large or repeated with the same unknown person.
• Suggest going with a friend so “photo duty” can stay in the group.
• Remind them to keep the phone in sight, use a wrist strap in crowds, and lock sensitive apps if they hand the device over.
• If they pay for a snap, cap the amount and use the same caution as any cashless payment to a stranger.

Related: Payment apps (G7 overview) · Social media and direct messaging · Talk regularly