Adolescent Resource Center (ARC)

Online grooming: What it is, how it happens, and how to defend children

This blog post explores online grooming, a form of sexual exploitation where abusers build trust with children online to manipulate and abuse them. It discusses how grooming occurs, shares research findings and survivor stories, and offers guidance for parents and caregivers on online safety and prevention. It also offers practical guidance for parents and caregivers on how to have open conversations with children about online safety, recognize signs of grooming, and report suspicious content. The blog aims to educate and empower adults to protect children from online exploitation.