What is grooming?
Grooming is when someone builds an online relationship with a child or young person and tricks them or forces them to do something sexual.
It's easy for people to create fake accounts and lie about who they really are online. If you notice anything suspicious about someone you have spoken to online you should report this straight away to your mum or dad, brother, sister or another trusted adult such as your teacher.
You should never agree to meet someone you have met online unless you have talked about it with your parent/carer or another trusted adult like your treacher.
Often a 'groomer' is older, but they could also be a young person. They could be male or female. A groomer may try to make people do things like:
- send naked pictures of themselves
- send sexual videos of themselves
- do something sexual live on webcam
- have sexual conversations online or by text
- meet up with them
A groomer might say that they will post the images/videos (sexts) they have been sent online if they are not sent more images or they may demand sex with them or their friends.
Things to look out for when trying to spot a groomer.
REPORT IT!
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Compass Aspire supports young people worried about their drug and alcohol use and unhealthy relationships including their sexual relationships.
You can contact ChildLine about anything. No problem is too big or too small. Whatever your worry it's better out than in. There are several different ways you can get in touch with us.
