Types of unwanted contact
Unwanted contact may be in the form of online harassment and cyberbullying. Less frequently, but with potentially very serious consequences, it can also take the form of online child sex exploitation, including ‘grooming’ behaviours and sexual solicitation.
More information about online harassment and cyberbullying and how to address it is within Cyberbullying in the Common cybersafety issues section of this website.
Sexual solicitation
Sexual solicitation is defined as an online communication where someone is asked to engage in a sexual conversation or activity or to send a sexually explicit image or information. Perpetrators of sexual solicitation may be adults. They may also be of similar age to the intended recipient of the messages.
Online grooming
Online grooming is the illegal act of an adult or adults acting inappropriately with or towards a young person, or seeking a young person for sexual purposes in an online environment. More information is available from the Australian Federal Police which investigates suspected cases of online grooming.
Adults engaging in online grooming use psychological tools such as:
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telling the young person they are special, attractive and intelligent
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making the young person feel ‘grown-up’ and respected
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suggesting they can get the young person a job in modelling or acting
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telling the young person they are in love with them
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seeking to isolate the young person from supports by suggesting that they are the only ones who truly understand and care for the young person
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providing virtual or real gifts to the young person
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encouraging the young person to have private conversations
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escalating contact by phone and potentially requesting a meeting in person
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encouraging the young person to provide images of themselves or to communicate using a webcam
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as the relationship progresses, they may use more forceful coercion to encourage the young person to provide images or to meet in person.
Signs that a young person might be the victim of online grooming include:
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excessive use of the computer, often including late night use
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secretive behaviour around internet use, such as changing to another web page when parents appear and potentially acting agitated, anxious or ‘guilty’ when questioned about their online communications
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change in the use of sexual language and behaviour, for example, increased use of more adult sexual or intimate language or dressing in a way that may seem more revealing, or alternatively becoming noticeably more uncomfortable about their body and covering up more.
These signs do not necessarily mean a young person is being groomed. They may be developmentally appropriate behaviours for young people, particularly teens, for whom their main connection to friends is the internet; or they may be signs that a young person is experiencing more general social issues. Teachers should talk to students and then parents if they have any concerns about student behaviour. Teachers may also wish to refer a young person they are concerned about to appropriate school support staff such as a student counsellor or guidance officer.
If you suspect a child or young person is subject to online grooming you should report concerns to the Australian Federal Police. If there are concerns about a child or young person’s immediate safety, call Triple Zero (000).