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Online Abuse and Grooming

What is online abuse?

Online abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the Internet. It can happen across any device that’s connected to the web, like computers, tablets, and mobile phones. And it can happen anywhere online, including:

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social media

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text messages and messaging apps

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emails

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online chats

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online gaming

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live-streaming sites

Children can be at risk of online abuse from people they know or from strangers. It might be part of other abuse which is taking place offline, like bullying or grooming, or the abuse might only happen online.

Types of online abuse

Children and young people might experience different types of online abuse, such as:

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cyberbullying

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emotional abuse

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grooming

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sexting

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sexual abuse

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sexual exploitation

Signs of online abuse

A child or young person experiencing abuse online might:

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spend a lot more or a lot less time than usual online, texting, gaming, or using social media

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seem distant, upset, or angry after using the internet or texting

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be secretive about who they’re talking to and what they’re doing online or on their mobile phone

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have lots of new phone numbers, texts, or email addresses on their mobile phone, laptop, or tablet

If a child reveals online abuse

It can be difficult to know what to say and do if a child tells you they’re being abused online. They might not realise what’s happening is wrong, and they might even blame themselves. If a child talks to you about online abuse it’s important to:

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listen carefully to what they’re saying

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let them know they’ve done the right thing by telling you

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tell them it’s not their fault

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say you’ll take them seriously

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don’t confront the alleged abuser

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explain what you’ll do next

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report what the child has told you as soon as possible

Effects of online abuse

Online abuse can have long-lasting effects on children and young people. It can lead to:

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anxiety

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 self-harm

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eating disorders

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 suicidal thoughts.

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 cyberbullying

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 grooming

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 sexual abuse

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child sexual exploitation

Who’s at risk

Any child who uses the internet can be at risk of online abuse. It’s important parents are aware of the risks and talk to their child about staying safe online.

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