Online Grooming - Teacher Handbook | The Safeguard Hub

Learning Objectives

Understand what online grooming is and how it happens
Recognise the tactics used by online predators
Identify warning signs of grooming behaviour
Know how to stay safe online
Understand how to report concerns

Background Information

Online grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust, and emotional connection with a child so they can manipulate, exploit, and abuse them.

Can happen on any platform: social media, gaming, messaging apps
Groomers often pretend to be younger than they are
The process can take days, weeks, or months
Victims are NEVER at fault

Grooming Tactics

Stage	Tactic
Targeting	Finding vulnerable children, often those who seem lonely or seeking attention
Building trust	Showing interest, giving compliments, offering understanding
Filling needs	Giving gifts, money, attention, or "love"
Isolating	Creating secrets, turning against family/friends
Desensitising	Introducing sexual content gradually
Maintaining control	Using guilt, fear, or threats to keep the child silent

🚩 Warning Signs

Excessive time online, especially at night
Secretive about online activity
New online "friends" they won't talk about
Unexplained gifts or money
Switching screens when adults approach
Emotional changes: withdrawal, anxiety, mood swings
Using sexual language they shouldn't know

⚠️ Safeguarding - CRITICAL

This is a highly sensitive topic that may prompt disclosures
Be prepared - know your DSL and CEOP reporting procedures
If a child discloses, listen without judgment, don't promise confidentiality
Report to CEOP immediately if active grooming is suspected
Reassure children they will NOT get in trouble for reporting

Support Resources

Organisation	Contact
CEOP	ceop.police.uk/report
Childline	0800 1111
NSPCC	0808 800 5000
Internet Watch Foundation	iwf.org.uk