Cyber Grooming: An Overlooked Threat and the Need for Parental Vigilance

Abstract

Children resemble blossom seedlings in that they require careful attention and nurturing until they reach maturity and are capable of independently navigating through various seasons. With the evolving society and in the vast expense of the internet, children innocently navigate through a digital landscape fraught with unseen dangers. The shift from traditional to modernize/digitalised world has made life easier for all of us but at the same time, it has open gate for numerous crimes.  In this transition, children are at great menace. Be it infant or teenager, everyone has access to internet in today’s world. While it gives them the privilege of playing games online, surfing the internet, posting pictures, chatting with their friends and many more, it also makes them vulnerable to the dark world of cybercrime like identity theft, impersonation, cyberbullying, stalking, etc.

Despite the fact that their parents are always around to supervise their kids' online activity, these kids are nevertheless victims of cybercrimes. One such murky corner of the internet that kids are frequently drawn to is cyber grooming. 

This paper aims to focus on importance of parents’ involvement in keeping their child safe from cyber grooming. This proposition has already been put forth in front of the world several number of times. But this paper aims to stress on the fact that how communication strategies and parents’ effectiveness tools can save their child from grave peril of digital world, without letting them feel controlled. Part I briefly discusses the meaning of cyber grooming and its implications. Part II provides the reasons as to why these children falls prey to such offences and the adversity on their mental health. Part III elucidates the responsibilities parents should undertake to enable their children to discern between right and wrong, determine whom to trust and to what extent, emphasizing the profound impact of the online world  and highlights the need for immediate change. Part IV finally concludes with suggestions. 

I.                    Cyber Grooming and its Implictions

While the word grooming is associated with taking care of our own appearances or mentoring or animal care, with time it had seen variation in its meaning. BBC report of 2008 stated that grooming had taken more of a pejorative meaning as it had become associated with seduction, paedophiles. To use the term ‘grooming’ to mean ‘gaining trust from the victim with the intention of sexually assaulting them’ were predominant. As per report of The Christian Science Monitor by Melissa Mohr of 2022, the word grooming is perceived as sinister. In the public eyes, the term had shifted its meaning to associate with befriending or influencing children for future sexual benefits. 

Cyber grooming is very stealthy in nature. To put simply it refers to acquiring intimate information and personal data, often sexual in nature, from children with the ultimate goal of enticing them into divulging additional inappropriate material. Perpetrators sit behind their screens with the motive of nefarious purpose. The most peculiar thing about internet is its low security barriers to access, and ease of use for individuals with malicious intent. By means of conversation rooms, social media platforms, and online gaming communities, they virtuously construct complex networks of manipulation that progressively erode the boundaries and inhibitions of the target. They manipulate susceptibilities, taking advantage of the naiveté of their targets, while posing as mentors or companions. While we sit in front of our screen, we never know the filthy minds behind other side of the screen. We are in the world where connectivity apprehends no bounds and by assuming the personas of benevolent individuals and utilising flattery, deceit, and charm, predators frequently obtain the confidence of young, unwitting children. 

2. Understanding Vulnerabilities: Factors Contributing to Child Victimization and Mental Health Challenges

   
   

Before diving into the world of cyber grooming, let’s look at some statistical data. According to the data by American Community Survey, 97% of children among age group of 3-18 years old has access to internet at their home. As per the survey by Pew Research Centre it was found that nowadays, 95% of teenagers say they have access to or own a smartphone. More persistent internet activities are consequently being fuelled by these mobile connections: Nowadays, 45% of teenagers claim to use the internet almost constantly.  According to Global Connected Family Study report by McAfee Corporation, in which around 15000 parents and more than 12000 from ten countries participated, India exhibited the highest incidence of online risks, 24% of children aged between 10- 14 years reported encountering such risks, compared to the global average of 12%. Among Indian parents, the level of concern regarding cyberbullying and social media abuse stood at 47%, which is 10% lower than the global average of 57%. 59% of the children conceal their online activities by clearing their browser history and omitting details about their online actions. In India, the proportion of children reporting private conversations without knowing a person’s real identity was 11% higher compared to their counterparts globally. Furthermore, 22% of children in India encountered cyberbullying at some point, which is 5% higher than the global average of 17%. Based on Patterns of Internet Usage Among Youths in India Report 85% of non-adult users in India are young people, and they have access to smartphones. Eighty percent of them said they use social media, and the majority spend five hours a day online. Only few people are aware of online platforms' safety and privacy controls. About 30% of participants acknowledged having exchanged private information online. All of these reports show how today’s children or adolescent or youth are exposed to threats of cyber-world. Apart from its erudite aid, technological headway has open paths for child exploitation, abuse, online grooming.  

However, doesn't imply that easy internet accessibility is the sole reason behind it. There are various other factors contributing to why today's teens are falling prey to this cycle. The first question that should come to mind is why do these teens don’t go to their parents or go outside of their circle to talk instead of befriending a stranger? What drives these teens to trust complete strangers they've never met or known to share their personal details with them? 

Most people perceive internet as a problem which is actually not the scenario. The answer to these questions is placed in the changing times of today. Although technological advancements and internet accessibility have brought people closer from different places, children still often find it difficult to share their thoughts and feelings with their parents.  Even though generation gap plays a vivid role, there are several other factors contributing to children not being able to get close to their parents. 

Let's understand through a very basic example. Suppose I'm a 11-12 year old girl who got into a fight with someone at school and came home. However, I didn't tell my parents anything about it because I was afraid, they might scold me without understanding why I got into the fight at school. I was worried they might interpret it as mischief on my part, and perhaps the real reason behind my actions might get lost amidst their scolding, because there's often a fine line between discipline and punishment in our households. 

The adolescent age is often considered the most vulnerable phase of life. Child psychology operates in its own magical way, making it unpredictable as to which children will internalize what kind of experiences. There's no surefire answer to which children will be affected by what, and how they will interpret it within their minds.

Children are deeply impacted by their parents' words. Nowadays, kids seem to be more affected by their parents than by society. They always strive to keep their parents happy, constantly thinking about what they can do to never disappoint them. In their eyes, they aspire to perfection, aiming to never fall short in their parents' expectations. And that’s where the ‘problem’ begins. For instance, in the above scenario, where did the interpretation came from that my parents might scold me for getting into fight? It seems like I had a fear that my parents would scold me and this fear might have stemmed from past experiences where similar incidents led to scolding, or perhaps there were instances when my parents didn't pay much attention when something similar happened. There are various reason as to why teenagers can’t talk as much freely as they want. In today’s world, children are very vulnerable with respect to their emotions. Their brains often perceive things quite differently compared to those of previous generations, because of several external factors like their self-involvement with phone, exposure to environments

Children feel emotionally distant from their parents. They feel they can’t talk to their parents about their feelings. Sometimes even when children try they are very often invalidated or dismissed about their own feelings.  

In most of our childhood days, whenever we whine or cry over a small scrape on our knee or elbow, parents often try to quiet us down. They wipe away their tears, reassuring us that everything is fine and nothing serious has happened. While this distraction technique is commonly used to divert the attention, it's also employed when children experience emotional turmoil. The pain, discomfort is not acknowledged or rather invalidated. They believe in fixing things rather than listening and giving chance to just vent out. Although it may appear insignificant to the parents, given their status as adults, there is much more at play regarding the profound impact it can have on a child's mental health. Many times, children are given the perception that their parents are superior to them, having seen more of the world and possessing greater knowledge. Children may be made to feel that they are beneath their parents, leading to their perspective being overshadowed by a sense of superiority complex. Out of a concern of having their opinions suppressed, children begin to hide their opinions which results in mental congestion. 

There are a thousand reasons behind children's mental states, fearing that their parents might be disappointed or that they might feel invalidated and that is when they often seek solace in strangers as they are unconcerned about their judgements. In this world of network and connectivity, it’s not tough for adolscents to associate themselves with strangers. There are countless websites on the internet where children can chat with strangers without any age restrictions. Even if there are age restrictions, it's very easy to bypass them by entering false information. This allows children to connect with individuals from the other side of the world while sitting in a corner of the globe themselves and in such circumstances, the proliferation of cyber offenses becomes not only prevalent but also significantly facilitated. 

3. Parental Roles in Guiding Children's Online Discernment

   
   

A. Promote Trust and Safe Space - Parents should constantly make sure that their children have a secure setting to play in, and they should strive to cultivate an atmosphere in which their children are at ease enough to trust them entirely. In order for children to feel comfortable sharing everything, including their heartbreaks, locations, and discussions, this trust should be so strong that they feel free to do so. It is never acceptable for children to have feelings of isolation or to assume that they are unable to contact their parents because they are afraid of being misunderstood.

B. Avoid  Bans - Avoid enforcing severe prohibitions on the use of technology by parents. A controlled atmosphere may result by taking away their phones and closely monitoring their actions. Rather, they ought to have some faith in their kids. Technology prohibitions frequently cause kids to disguise their phone use, which raises the risk that they may engage in risky conduct.

C. Clear Communications - Parents should communicate honestly and frankly with their children. They should address any difficulties that are bothering their children, discussing any things that are vital for their children's safety. This involves having awkward talks if required. The world does not treat children based on awkwardness but on their vulnerablness, so parents must ensure their children are well-informed and equipped.

D. Create Awarness - Parents should promote awareness about internet activities by having open talks about online safety, privacy, and acceptable behavior. They should educate their children on the possible threats, such as cyberbullying and online predators, and teach them how to spot and avoid these dangers. Setting clear limits for internet use and encouraging youngsters to share their online experiences helps promote trust and understanding. Additionally, parents may utilise parental controls to monitor activity while progressively giving youngsters greater responsibility as they exhibit safe online conduct.

E. Sex Education - Parents have an important role in providing sex education to their children, and they should promote an open and honest environment to aid in this process. It is critical to start with age-appropriate knowledge and gradually introduce more difficult themes as kids develop. It is critical to use precise anatomical language when expressing the physical and emotional components of partnerships. Parents should welcome inquiries and react without passing judgement, emphasising the value of consent, respect, and healthy relationships. Parents should be prepared to discuss contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and internet safety using credible resources. Reminding youngsters that they may always approach them with any concerns or questions is critical to establishing a successful communication. 

F. Restrictions but not Controlling - Parents should supervise their children's activities but should never be controlling. Children should not feel that their parents are attempting to control them. Such sentiments can have a significant impact on today's children. They should be treated with affection and attention. Parents may be restricting without being controlling by establishing clear, consistent limits and giving their children some liberty. Open communication is essential—explain the rationale for the regulations and be open to listen to their children's viewpoints. Encourage independence by include them in decision-making processes. Demonstrate trust and respect for their privacy, intervening only when essential for safety. Positive reward and advice, rather than punishment, aid in maintaining an environment that is supportive. This balanced approach ensures that limits are perceived as protective rather than controlling, reducing the detrimental effects on mental health.

4. Conclusion

   
   

This study composition delves into the multifaceted angles of cyber grooming, encompassing its description, the strategies employed by malefactors, and the  dangerous consequences it inflicts upon victims. It's clear that parents, preceptors,  lawmakers, and technology  enterprises need to work together to increase  mindfulness about this problem and put in place effective safeguards to avoid it. To reduce the troubles of cyber grooming and  give a safer digital space for  young child, parents may promote transparent communication,  give education on online safety, and  apply strict rules and defensive measures. They must be extremely active and take visionary measures to address this  raising  peril to the safety and  internal well- being of the children. 

This article is authored by Versha Jha. She was among the Top 40 performers in the Cyber Law Quiz Competition organized by Lets Learn Law.

Keywords

Cyber Grooming, Manipulation, Mental Health, Sexual Abuse, Teenager