INTERNET GROOMING 

(Techniques perpetrators use on the internet)

Goals for Learning: Help parents understand how perpetrators groom over the Internet. Help parents understand that teens are more vulnerable.

Learner Objectives: Participants will identify steps in the grooming process.

Learner Outcomes: Learners will know how perpetrators groom children via the Internet, especially chat rooms. Learners will know that their teens may be at greater risk.

Target Audience: Parents Large groups up to 40

Target Presenter Persons who have received 20 hours of sexual assault prevention and education training

Session Length: 35 Minutes

Materials Needed: None

Workshop Outline: I. Who is at risk II. Stages of grooming III. Being proactive IV. Internet Crimes V. Resources

Evaluation Question:

Name three ways a perpetrator will groom a child on the Internet.

Identify the child most at risk for perpetration.

Internet grooming follows some general steps:

Step One: The chat room.· In the chat room the perpetrator will lie about their age.· They will invite youth who appear vulnerable for a private chat.
Step Two: An invitation to use instant messaging.
Step Three: An invitation to e-mail.The perpetrator has now chosen a potential victim and is beginning to isolate the youth from others.
Step Four: Creating trust · They are trying to build a feeling of familiarity or comfort· They are trying to know the child- what will they put up with.
Step Five: Violating boundaries· At this time the perpetrator might admit to being older than they originally said (How would you feel if I were more your uncle's age ?)· Or they may send pornographic images · Or the perpetrator may ask what kind of sexual experience the youth has. At this point the perpetrator may claim to love the child and push for a private, in person meeting. By this time, the youth may be using a cell phone to communicate with the perpetrator. There is much flattery going on. He may be telling the child things like, 'You are smart.', 'No one appreciates you like I do.' 'Your parents don't understand you like I do.'