Anyone can groom another person. A ‘groomer’ is someone who makes an emotional connection with someone to try and make you do things like:
- have sexual conversations online or by text messages
- send naked images of yourself, which is sometimes called sexting
- send sexual videos of yourself
- do something sexual live on webcam
- meet up with them in person.
They might be old, or young. And they can be male or female.
Most of us talk to people online – it’s a great way to stay connected. It can even be a good way of making new friends sometimes. But it’s really important to understand the dangers of talking to someone you don’t know.
If you send someone sexual photos or videos of yourself, you lose control over what happens to them. The other person may end up sharing them with other people who might then keep sharing them.
Someone could even use images you’ve sent to blackmail you. For example, they may say that they’ll post them online if you don’t keep sending more images. But we can help.
If you’re under 18 and someone posts an explicit or nude image online you can make a report to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). They can contact the website to try and remove it without getting anyone involved.
Nobody should blackmail or pressure you into doing something sexual online. If someone is doing this you’re not alone. You can make a report to CEOP or talk to our KC Safeguarding Team