Keeping children safe online is imperative. So much of our lives are on the internet, and even young children have access to social networking sites, online video games, and forums. That being said, people can try and take advantage of children online. Children’s Angels is committed to education and fighting against child endangerment both online and offline. Here are signs of internet grooming.
What is it?
First, let’s start with what online grooming is. A groomer is a person that tries to make an emotional connection with someone and eventually tries and make them do certain things. Online grooming can be dangerous if an adult forges the relationship with a child and takes advantage of their vulnerabilities. Over time, this grooming process can lead to sexual abuse, exploitation, or trafficking.
Who can groom?
Groomers can be anyone. Children can be groomed by strangers online, people they know, or family members. They can be old, young, male, or female.
Red Flags
According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, there are a few common red flags regarding grooming. Here are the common tactics that they have listed on their website:
- Engaging in sexual conversation/role-playing as a grooming method rather than a goal.
- Asking the child for sexually explicit images of themselves or mutually sharing photos.
- Developing a rapport through compliments, discussing shared interests, or “liking” their online post, also known as grooming.
- Sending or offering sexually explicit images of themselves.
- Pretending to be younger.
- Offering an incentive such as a gift card, alcohol, drugs, lodging, transportation, or food.
Often, groomers will send lots of messages in different ways, such as social media, text, and online chat rooms. They also frequently ask to keep the conversations private from other people. For example, telling a child not to tell their parents or family members about the talks. Over time, the groomer will slowly get personal information such as where they live and their regular routine.
Children’s Angels
Children’s Angels are located in Nashua, NH, that wants to provide knowledge to both young and older generations. We believe in community education as our mission is a group effort. We want to spread awareness and hope to stop child trafficking once and for all.
To learn more about what Children’s Angels can do for you, please visit our website or contact us at (800) 393-0059.
