Online Grooming: What Parents Need To Watch Out For

The world of social media and online gaming is constantly evolving and with children exposed to digital technologies earlier and spending more time on devices, we wanted to shine a spotlight on online grooming and what parents and carers should watch out for.

Online grooming is becoming more sophisticated and even seemingly ‘fun’ gaming apps such as Roblox are now under scrutiny for an increase in sexual content. Yet despite the lengths at which perpetrators will go to reach out to kids, the way that information is received by young children is alarmingly simple, so much so they don’t realise there is actually anything sinister going on.

So how can busy parents protect their children?

Monitor Behaviour Changes

Often the process of grooming takes place over an extended time, at home. Watch to see if they become secretive or overly protective of their phones and devices.

Stay Informed

Be active and engaged with our child’s online activities. Where are they using their phones, what apps are they using? Who are they talking to? Keep communication open and monitor their devices so you can react quickly if something seems strange.

Be Brave

Talk openly with your child about how grooming works and provide examples. Some parents have told us this can be uncomfortable but research shows that the more a child is aware and can be on the alert for this behaviour, the safer they are.

Watch For Red Flags

Some of the key indicators of online grooming are listed below - watch out for these and make sure to have ongoing discussions so your child also knows to be aware of these:

• asks to meet face to face;

• asks for a photo (starts innocently and progresses to more sexual requests);

• overtly wanting to talk to or single out this child;

• offers gifts or favours.

Things to Make Sure Your Children Know

Our experts tell us that they are often told that children get asked to be someone’s boyfriend or girlfriend online if this happens or they get asked for photos of their feet or anything else that seems a little strange they need to tell you or another trusted adult immediately so that you can help to block and report properly. The other thing to make sure your children know is if anyone tries to convince them to move platforms. For example if they are playing Roblox and get asked to follow a stranger on TikTok, they need to tell you immediately so you can help to block and report.

Please remind your children that they are completely safe if they speak up. If anything creepy is said, people asking for photos of them or any of the things we have mentioned above. Nothing is going to happen (even if there is a threat made) if they speak up and tell

The issue of online grooming needs to be an important conversation taking place at home and school. Together we can help protect our children. As a school we’re making training about online safety a priority by implementing our year round Safe On Social Toolkit program for all teachers and students. If you’re concerned about online grooming or suspect that your child has been targeted by an online groomer please contact your local Police or Crimestoppers.