“Hey, wanna chat?” What sounds like a casual and innocent phrase between adults can take a sinister turn when it comes from an adult to a child online – and even be the start of a predatory relationship. Grooming, where an adult uses psychological tactics to gain a child’s trust in order to manipulate, exploit, or abuse them, is a pervasive problem these days. It often occurs online, where predators may use social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps to contact minors
In this episode of Unlocked 403, Becks sat down with child psychologist Kamila Ryšánková to discuss:
- the complex dangers of grooming
- whether boys or girls are more often victimized by predators
- why grooming is an underreported crime
- how grooming can be prevented and what parents can do to keep their kids safe online
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
