The Rising Threat of Online Grooming

Especially after the pandemic of COVID-19, and the increased activity of children online, we have seen surges of cases. And as we, our children, and also online predators continue to use the internet, we also need to continue to talk about it and educate ourselves.

Online grooming is a process where an individual builds an emotional connection with a child to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse or exploitation. It happens online, but grooming can happen in person as well.

To learn more about grooming, watch this episode of ESET´s new podcast:

According to a report from the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), the occurrence of sexual abuse imagery involving primary school-aged children increased by 1,000% during the pandemic-induced lockdowns due to COVID-19. This alarming figure underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of online grooming, a form of exploitation that often begins with manipulative interactions online and can lead to devastating consequences.

Online grooming is often associated with social media platforms, but it can also happen in forums, messaging apps, and multi-player online games.  According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), Meta-owned platforms are used in over half of the recorded cases of online grooming in the UK. However, Snapchat was very frequently used. All of these have end-to-end encryption on messaging between two people, meaning that only the participants of the conversation can see the contents. Not even the platform or law enforcement have access to them. This is great for one's privacy, however, it makes the job of catching predators a bit more challenging. 

Online games are also very popular among predators. The interactive nature of many online multiplayer games provides the perfect opportunity for the groomer to contact a child through the chat feature, which is often included. The BBC highlights how online gaming platforms have become a new arena for potential groomers, with several cases of grooming reported in recent years. The story of Amelia, shared by the Child Rescue Coalition, is an eye-opening example of this phenomenon. Amelia was groomed by a predator she met while playing an online video game, demonstrating the insidious ways that online groomers can infiltrate seemingly innocent aspects of a child's life.

To protect children from these dangers, parents and guardians can take a few steps:

1. Open Communication: Talk to your kids and foster an environment that promotes open and honest communication, so that your child feels like they can talk to you about anything without being judged.
2. Set Boundaries: Implement rules about when and how the internet can be used. Set time limits and make sure you know which sites your child is visiting. A good practice is to have the kids use their devices in a populated area of your home so that you can always monitor their activity, without being too invasive.
3. Privacy Lessons: Explain the importance of not sharing personal information online. A good analogy is: Anything you wouldn´t want your grandma to see, should not go on the internet.
4. Encourage Healthy Habits: Encourage regular breaks from screen time, and promote physical activity and face-to-face social interaction.
5. Check Age Ratings: Not all apps, games, and websites are suitable for all ages. Always check the age rating before letting your child use them.
6. Teach them to be Critical: Teach your child not to believe everything they read online. Encourage them to be critical and to verify information from reliable sources.
7. Monitor their Activity: Regularly check your child's online activity. This doesn't mean snooping, but rather, showing interest in what they are doing and ensuring they are using the internet responsibly.
8. Lead by Example: Children often imitate adult behavior, so make sure you are demonstrating responsible internet use yourself. Show them how you protect your information, use strong passwords, and avoid sharing too much on social media.

The digital world offers a host of opportunities for learning, entertainment, and connection, but it also presents new risks that require our urgent attention. It is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to understand the threats posed by online grooming and to take proactive steps to protect children from these dangers.