It's 7:30 p.m. and ten-year-old Lara is busy typing on her cell phone. “Just a friend from my game,” she replies to her mother’s curious question. But what if that “friend” is actually a threat?
The shadow behind the screens
Cyber grooming, the targeted targeting of minors by adults on the Internet, is an underestimated danger. Games that seem like harmless pastimes can actually be playgrounds for these types of criminals. Ildikó Bruhns, security expert at Safer Kids Online , warns urgently: “Parents should not underestimate online games”.
Correctly interpret the first warning signs of cyber grooming
Changing behavior, increasing isolation, a quick glance over your shoulder - these can all be signs that your child has fallen victim to a grooming attack.
Prevention is more than a ban
Child psychologist Jarmila Tomkova explains what parents should pay particular attention to.
Parents must be aware that a purely prohibitive culture does not work. Education and prevention are the key words. But how do you talk to your child about this without overwhelming them? And what specific measures can make a difference?
Tips to curb cyber grooming
- Even if it's difficult for worried parents, questioning only makes things worse. The less you judge and put pressure on your child in the situation, the easier it will be for him to talk about the topic.
- Teach your child the boundaries of a friendly conversation. If the supposed friend asks about private family relationships in the chat or insists on keeping the conversation secret from the parents, the child should break off contact.
- Use security and privacy settings for social media, games, etc. Here you can restrict/prevent contact from strangers and make the child's profile only accessible to friends.
- Your offspring should not publicly post or pass on location information, such as live images, or contact information such as phone numbers or messenger IDs. Groomers try to continue communication outside of the platforms. The child should also never meet strangers alone.
- Create problem awareness. Talk to your child about the fact that not everyone online is up to good things. The other person is not always who he claims to be. Profiles can be faked, photos stolen and webcam conversations filmed.
- Use parental controls, for example to limit usage time and block certain websites. Don't just give your children a cell phone that already has parental controls activated. Explain to your children what this feature does and why it is important.
- Teach your children to say no. If children and young people resist advances right from the start, they quickly become uninteresting to groomers.
You can find more information and tips from Jarmila Tomkova on the Safer Kids Online website: “Sexual Harassment on the Internet. What to do about cyber grooming?”
Conclusion: Together for a secure Internet
Cyber grooming is an issue that affects us all. The numbers are alarming, but as parents, relatives or friends, we can do a lot to help our children stay safe online. Knowledge, education and open communication are the cornerstones of a safe online environment for our children.
Curious? Want to get more facts like this and useful tips? Sign up for the Mimikama newsletter and take a look at the Mimikama media education offering . Only together can we ensure that the Internet remains a place where children can surf and play safely.
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Notes:
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