The internet has made it easier than ever to trade photos and video files of kids, teenagers, and adults engaging in sexual activities. Sometimes referred to as "online grooming," this illegal activity is becoming more common. Some perpetrators claim they're just being friendly when they reach out via social media or email. Online grooming is a practice that takes place when an adult communicates with a child or teen on the internet to build trust and ultimately develop a sexual relationship. In some cases, this activity leads to real-world sexual contact between the adult and the minor.
Online grooming can happen on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. It can also occur through text messaging or email. The perpetrator may send the minor pictures of themselves to "build trust" or they may offer gifts or money in exchange for sexual photos or videos. Some perpetrators use software that can take control of a child's computer to record what they're doing online without their knowledge. In many cases, perpetrators groom several children at once using social media platforms.
Parents should watch out for their children for certain types of behavior or reactions, which could be signs of grooming, regardless of whether it is online or in person. Following as potential signs have been listed by NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children):-
Withdrawn: The child may isolate himself from family and friends, avoiding social interactions he once enjoyed.
Suddenly behaves differently: Unexplained changes in mood, habits, or interests that seem out of character.
Anxious: The child appears unusually worried or nervous, especially about being online or meeting someone.
Clingy: A sudden need for constant reassurance or physical closeness to a parent or caregiver.
Depressed: Persistent sadness, lack of energy, or disinterest in activities they once loved.
Aggressive: Increased irritability, outbursts, or defiance, possibly as a way to cope with stress.
Sleeping problems: Trouble falling or staying asleep, or frequent nightmares disrupting rest.
Eating disorders: Noticeable changes in appetite, such as eating too much or too little, often linked to emotional distress.
Wets the bed: Regressing to bedwetting, which can be a physical response to emotional trauma.
Soil clothes: Loss of bowel control, possibly due to extreme anxiety or stress.
Takes risks: Engaging in reckless or dangerous behaviors, like talking to strangers or disobeying rules.
Misses school: Reluctance to attend school or frequent absences, which may indicate fear or shame.
Changes in eating habits: Unexplained shifts in diet, such as overeating or sudden disinterest in food.
Obsessive behavior: Repeating specific actions or thoughts excessively, signaling inner turmoil.
Nightmares: Disturbing dreams that cause the child to wake up in fear or distress.
Drugs: Experimenting with or relying on substances to escape emotional pain.
Alcohol: Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for underlying issues or pressure.
Self-harm: Inflicting physical harm on oneself, like cutting, as a way to deal with overwhelming emotions.
Thoughts about suicide: Expressing or hinting at suicidal thoughts, which requires immediate intervention.
The signs mentioned above are ubiquitous and can easily be judged. If you see any such sign in your child's or a young one's behavior, you must be conscious and act immediately to heal the damage. Never allow your children to use any of the digital devices in isolation.
Computers and other devices should be installed in such a section of your home from where you can keep an eye on the activities of your children while working or studying online. Almost all such incidents as online grooming happen when you leave your children alone and never even bother about it. In one way or another, our negligence is one of the main reasons for this kind of happenings. Therefore, we should always be careful and vigilant about our children. Always remain close and kind enough to your children and make them realize that you are their best friend. Then they will trust you and will share everything.