General Article Online grooming

Topic Selected: Child Abuse Book Volume: 456

Online grooming is when someone uses the technology or the internet to build a relationship with a young person, with the intention of tricking, pressuring or forcing them into doing something sexual, like sending images or videos of themselves.

Online, it is easier for people with these intentions to pretend to be someone they’re not, like a friend, mentor, boyfriend or girlfriend. They can even pretend to be a completely different person and hide who they really are.

Someone who is grooming others online might do this to build trust with them before asking them to do something sexual.

Warning signs

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between someone genuine and someone with bad intentions.

Remember to trust your instincts and seek help if things don’t feel right.

Here are some warning signs to look out for when talking to new people online.

  • It seems too good to be true. They seem to share all of your interests, agree with everything you say, and pay you lots of attention ...

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