Grooming is a term used to describe the way in which people who wish to sexually abuse children and young people approach them and their families and gain their trust. They do this in all sorts of places, such as at home or in the neighbourhood, at the children’s school, at youth and sports clubs, at the local church and at work.

Grooming can also take place online, carried out by people who form relationships with children and pretend to be their friends. They do this by finding out personal information about the child, such as their likes and dislikes and their family circumstances. For example, if a child is lonely, a potential abuser will pay attention to them and develop a ‘special relationship’ that could make it easier to manipulate the child.

The potential abuser will also try to find out whether the child would tell a trusted adult about what is happening. They will seek to find out as much as possible about the child’s family and social networks and, if they consider it ‘safe enough’, will then try to isolate the child. They may use flattery and promises of gifts, or threats and intimidation, to gain a certain degree of control.

It is easy for ‘caregivers’ to find children online. They generally use chat rooms that focus on young people’s interests. They often pretend to be younger and may even change their gender. Many give a false physical description of themselves, with some sending photos of other people and claiming they are themselves. Predators may also seek out children by searching personal websites, such as social media sites.

How is online grooming different?

Online grooming is often faster and more anonymous, and can lead children to trust an online ‘friend’ more quickly than someone they have just met face-to-face. People who want to exploit children online can easily access information about the child and hide their true identity, age and gender. Those who exploit children online may not be constrained by time or the need to have a private conversation with a child, as they would be in the ‘real world’.

Stay safe when you’re online!

Learn the five key rules to help you stay safe online.

Safety

Stay safe by taking care not to give out personal information – such as your name, email address, phone number, home address or school name – to people you meet online.

Meeting up

Meeting someone you’ve only been in contact with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents’ or carers’ permission, and when they can be present.

Accepting messages

Accepting emails or instant messages (IMs), or opening files from people you don’t know or don’t trust, can be dangerous – they may contain viruses or nasty messages.

Trust

It is possible that someone online may lie about their true identity, and the information you find on the internet may not be reliable.

Revealing things

Tell your parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.

Source: https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/