Signs of Grooming

Signs a child may be groomed online:

• Sexting – sending sexual text messages
• Child is upset, withdrawn or angry after texting or using the internet
• Secretive about who they are interacting with while online or on the phone
• Have lots of new phone numbers, email addresses, social media friends or texts while online or using a device

Other signs of grooming or exploitation:

It is important to recognise all common signs of child sexual exploitation. Common signs may include:

• Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late
• Frequent or unexplained injuries
• Appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for
• Becoming secretive or unwilling to share information
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Behaving in an overtly sexual or aggressive way