This post’s for minors about safety:
“They’re nicer than people in school or your parental figures, but then they end up taking a position of power … and then they start very slowly making it all sexual.”
Grooming — the process by which a predator gradually builds a relationship with a minor in order to sexually manipulate them — is becoming ever more common as people use the internet from an ever younger age.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline experienced a 300% increase in tips about online enticement from 44,155 to 186,819 between 2021 and 2023.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom recorded 6,350 Sexual Communication with a Child offences in 2023, a number which has increased 82% from five years ago.
Most often, he says teens will be contacted on social media or through video games like Roblox, then the predator will move the child over to a private messaging app, like Kik, WhatsApp, or Signal. [[Also chat rooms, and fan spaces. Unfortunately, anywhere could be a danger.]]
“Never punish your child if they come forward and tell you about something, because if you take that electronic [device] away, which is almost every parent’s knee jerk reaction, all you’ve taught them is not to come to you,” Aterburn advised.
Alicia Kozak, another grooming victim and anti-exploitation advocate agrees: “What is probably most important is that your child knows they can come to you with absolutely anything at all, and that you’ll remain calm and you’ll solve the problem together.”
“People say, ‘Well, my kid’s a good kid. My kid doesn’t do those things. My kid isn’t curious.’ But anybody can be a victim, including the kid that you think is the most well behaved and trustworthy,” she said.
[[Conversations being turned to sex especially constantly is HUGE 🚩, even ‘harmless’ sex jokes could be a lead-in.
Being predatory isn’t JUST a man thing! Sex and gender identity doesn’t exclude anyone from being able to be a predator! Neither does victim status!
This is the link for the quotes here, just fyi it goes into larger details and includes multiple survivor stories.
NCMEC’s CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. The public and electronic service
https://report.cybertip.org/
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation o
Whether you’re starting a new relationship or navigating a long-term partnership, knowing what consent looks like helps create safer, more r
What is ALSO pressure/coercion is constant asking or nagging. Such as: “I’ve always wanted to do this (sex act);” “I really wanna try this with you, I’ve never gotten to do it before/ex partners never wanted to and I really want to do/try this;” “don’t you love me?” “If you loved me, you’d do this for me;” “I’ve seen a lot of content involving this (sex act) and I really like that so I want to do it on you. When can I do it on you? When will you let me do this to you?” “I’ll find someone else to do this with me and be a better partner.”
Is it possible for an adult to genuinely be offering you a place to stay safer than your current situation? It is, but you can’t know that. So if you intend to meet anyone in person, go somewhere public and be in numbers more than one (bring friends, safety in numbers). At least tell a trustworthy friend to report the adult if you don’t check in at predetermined times. And meet more than once. Also, video call! If they’re genuine, video calling should be no big. Be the most cautious about it possible! The be very clear, the aforementioned is all if, and my advice for safety if a minor is in such dire straights (social supports are usually not very helpful if at all).
If the above is a bit confusing, here is an example: Say Alice is speaking with Stacy online who has space for Alice if she needs time away from her abusive guardians. Alice arranges to meet Stacy at a fast food shop, and has given her friend, Grace, Stacy’s name, her username on the platform they speak on, and the meeting place, because Grace isn’t able to physical accompany her. Stacy has given Alice a description of her car and licence plate for her comfort and safety, which Alice also forwards to Grace in case it’s needed (or Alice could look at the licence plate and send it at the meeting place). Grace has agreed to be on standby and wait to make sure Alice checks in an hour after the meeting time/Alice gets home safely after the meeting.
