There are many tactics online groomers use to try to get close to a young person. They build up a relationship by doing things like pretending to be someone they aren’t by using a fake photo or profile, buying gifts online or offline, pretending to have a shared interest or asking for the friendship/relationship to be kept secret. Here are some ways to handle this with your own whānau.
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1. Start the conversation early
Talk to your child from a young age in an age-appropriate way about online safety in general. Tell them how some people online pretend to be people they are not and that you can’t always trust that the person is who they say they are.
2. Explain what online grooming is
As your child gets older, you can go into more detail (but still in an age-appropriate way) about online grooming and what it is. Explain what online groomers do and why. Whatever your child’s age, remind them that anything posted on the internet potentially stays there forever and for anyone to see.
3. Learn about your child’s online activities
Take the time to find out which apps or websites your child uses and why. Ask them why they like them and get them to show you how they work so you can understand any potential pitfalls.
4. Check your child’s privacy settings
Talk to your child about privacy settings, how they work and why they’re important. Check their privacy settings and make sure they are set as securely as possible so strangers can’t easily access information about them or contact them.
5. Keep devices in a common area
When your child is younger, have a rule that devices can only be used in common areas so you or another adult can keep an eye on what they’re doing online. For children of all ages, have set times they can go online and limit that time. You may also have a rule like devices aren’t allowed in their bedrooms after 7pm or something similar.
6. Manage online friends
Explain to your child that they should only be friends with, or communicate with, people online that they actually know in real life. If someone they don’t know friend requests them or wants to chat, show them how to decline the request. Online bullying might also be something your child is dealing with. Read more about online bullying.
7. Keep communication lines open
Talk to your kids regularly about internet safety and online grooming. Let them know they can come to you if they have any questions or need any help. If they open up and tell you something, stay calm and offer advice in a non-judgemental way. Don’t over-react as this might stop them from coming to you in the future.
8. Be a good role model
Children will follow your lead and copy your behaviour, so be a good role model for them by acting responsibly online.
If you think your child is being groomed online, make sure you capture the evidence.(external link)
