The problem of online grooming (in. grooming) has a long history, and its specifics are changing with the dynamic development of the Internet.
The problem of online grooming (in. grooming) has a long history, and its specifics are changing with the dynamic development of the Internet.
Already 20 years ago, in February 2004, the Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę Foundation launched the first social campaign in Poland dedicated to the phenomenon of grooming under the slogan “You never know who is on the other side”. – “Child on the Web.”
WHO IS ON THE OTHER SIDE?
Times are changing. Children and teenagers spend hours on the Internet every day. Using social media applications and instant messaging on an unprecedented scale, they leave information about themselves online. They also have access to information about other people and the ability to network with them. They are interested in, and often even fascinated by, the lives of others, including online influencers.
Online peer relationships can be valuable and successfully transfer beyond the Internet as well. Following content shared by others can broaden horizons, support the development of new and current interests, and provide a source of knowledge and entertainment.
However, the apparent sense of closeness to popular people online built up by observing their online activities on a daily basis causes young people to blur the distinction between the concept of “stranger” and “acquaintance.” People who are complete strangers can paradoxically become closer to them than those around them, peers and even family members.
Educating children to protect themselves from grooming therefore requires going beyond the slogan “Don’t trust strangers.”
The dangers of this are well illustrated by the recently revealed grooming of young female fans by popular influencers referred to as “Pandora Gate.”
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM?
Online grooming, also known as grooming, is a process in which an adult uses the Internet or telephone to build a relationship with a child with the intention of sexually exploiting him or her. The phenomenon includes, for example, the presentation of pornographic material, phishing for intimate photos, soliciting sexually explicit recordings, and seeking to meet offline for sexual contact. Modern technology makes it easier for perpetrators to build close and intimate relationships with children, bypassing the supervision of their parents.
Contrary to appearances, the perpetrators of online child seduction are not only strangers, but also those the child knows from his or her environment, such as from family, social or school environments. Children can also be seduced by those whom the child considers familiar despite the lack of a real relationship, such as influencers.
Contrary to stereotypes, young men are much more likely to be the perpetrators of online grooming than people of advanced age.
The process of online grooming is a complex phenomenon, and its duration, the intensity of contact and the way in which it proceeds depend on both the personality and needs of the perpetrator and the needs and behavior of the groomed child. In pursuit of his goal, the perpetrator builds a close relationship and emotional understanding with the child, using a variety of manipulative techniques.
Listen to Luke Wojtasik’s Who’s on the Other Side speech at the #DBI2024 Gala!
PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM ONLINE GROOMING
BE AN ATTENTIVE PARENT
A strong bond with parents is one of the factors that protect young people from engaging in risky online situations. Build a deeper relationship with your child. Be curious about your child’s experiences and opinions, their feelings, dreams, ideas and how they understand the world.
Observe the child, try to understand his needs and reasons for behavior. Don’t focus solely on achieving educational goals, it is of great importance to build an emotional understanding with the child based on respect and trust. Such a relationship is best built with the child from the very beginning, but it is never too late to start developing it.
TEACH YOUR CHILD TO THINK CRITICALLY
Facilitate your child’s development of critical thinking skills by reviewing online content together. Encourage them to ask questions about the credibility of information and people online. Expose the mechanisms of marketing and advertising. Teach your child to distinguish between creations calculated to gain popularity, reach and money and natural mechanisms, real situations and reliable information. Comment on current events, information. Be curious about your child’s opinions and experiences.
TEACH YOUR CHILD TO BE SAFE IN A RELATIONSHIP
Educate your child on how to safely establish relationships – both online and offline. Support his ability to recognize warning signs in interactions with others. Introduce the terms “Green Light” (a safe relationship) and “Red Light” (a bad relationship that should be stopped).
Green light, among other things:
- in a relationship you don’t feel pressure to behave in any way
- you feel comfortable and safe
- you trust the other person
- no one does anything against you
Red light, among other things:
- you feel pressure to behave in a certain way
- you don’t feel safe
- do not feel that you are treated with respect
- someone blames you for your behavior
- someone expects evidence of your commitment
SET THE RULES FOR USING THE NETWORK
Together, establish specific rules for Internet use with your child. Develop with him or her strategies for dealing with potential risks, such as sharing information safely or avoiding risky online situations. Don’t forget to adapt the rules to your child’s changing needs and evolving online environment. Establish rules with your child for making, maintaining contact and meeting people known online. Ensure that meetings are safe if you agree to them.
REACT
React whenever you become aware of or suspect the risk of a child’s dangerous online or offline relationship. Talk to your child, support him or her, provide emotional discharge and support.
When you know or suspect that a child is being groomed online, report it to the police or prosecutor’s office in the form of a notice of suspected crime. The notification should contain as much information as possible about the situation in which the child found himself. The notification must be accompanied by all available traces of grooming – records (screenshots) of conversations, photos or links to sites used by the child.
The parent, as a representative of the minor, has the right to inspect the file of the proceedings, participate in the activities, appoint a representative in the case and appeal against the decisions of the body conducting the proceedings.
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY ABOUT IT?
According to the Criminal Code (Article 200a), whoever makes an offer of sexual intercourse, submission to or performance of another sexual act, participation in the production or recording of pornographic content to a minor under 15 years of age via an information and communication system or telecommunications network, and aims to carry it out, shall be subject to a fine, restriction of freedom or imprisonment for up to 2 years.
On the other hand, whoever, by means of an information and communication system or telecommunications network, establishes contact with a minor under 15 years of age, aiming, by means of deception, taking advantage of his/her error, inability to comprehend the situation or unlawful threat, to meet with him/her with the purpose of raping him/her, having sexual intercourse or performing another sexual act, shall be punished by up to 3 years’ imprisonment.
