What is grooming, and how does it happen online?
Grooming involves building trust, normalizing sexual behavior, and gradually increasing secrecy or pressure. Online grooming often looks friendly at first.
What are the warning signs that someone online may be unsafe for my child?
Requests for secrecy, rapid emotional closeness, sexual content, gifts, or moving conversations to private platforms are red flags.
What should my child do if someone screenshots their messages?
Save evidence and tell a trusted adult. Screenshots remove privacy and control and should be taken seriously.
Can messages or photos be shared without my child’s permission?
Yes, and this is why sharing sexual content is risky. Consent to send does not equal consent to share.
What should I do if someone threatens to share my child’s photos?
This is sextortion. Preserve evidence and seek immediate support. Silence increases risk.
What counts as sexting?
Sexting includes sending or receiving sexual images, videos, or messages. Even suggestive images can count, depending on context. For minors, any sexual image of a child is legally considered abuse material, regardless of intent.
Why is it illegal for minors to send intimate images?
The law exists to protect children from exploitation and long-term harm. Once an image exists, it can be shared beyond control. Even when teens willingly send images, the risks are significant and often lifelong.
Should my child save messages or delete them?
Saving messages is important when there is harm, pressure, or threats. Evidence helps adults intervene effectively. Deleting should only happen after guidance from a trusted adult or professional.
Should my child block or report someone online?
Blocking can stop immediate contact, but reporting is important when there is harassment, sexual content, threats, or repeated behavior. Teach your child to save evidence first. Reassure them that reporting is about safety, not getting someone “in trouble.”
Can my child get in trouble for having a picture someone else sent them?
Children often fear blame. In most cases, the focus is on stopping harm, not punishing recipients. This is why involving trusted adults early matters.