Fact Sheet - For youth aged 15-17 - Online Grooming
Youth aged 15–17
Online grooming: what it is and how to protect yourself
What is online grooming?
It is when someone becomes friends with a minor online in order to control and take advantage of them for a sexual purpose, whether online or in-person. You need to be prepared, because it is a growing issue in Canada — and it can put you in real danger.
How does it happen?
All encounters are different, but it can happen like this:
- Someone approaches you online — it can even be someone you know
- They may use a fake profile to pretend to be someone they’re not
- They try to build a connection with you by talking about things you’re interested in
- They may give you gifts or compliments
- They may exploit existing relationships with your friends or online groups
- Once they gain your trust, they will sexualize the relationship by talking about sex or trying to engage in sexual touching or activity
- They may even ask you to meet in person
What can you do?
- Use your privacy settings
- Be aware that they may be someone you know and think you can trust, even someone you think you are in a relationship with
- Keep personal information private — like your name, phone number, where you are, and details about your life
- Trust your gut and never do anything that makes you uncomfortable — it’s always your choice and it is never too late to say no
- Never arrange to meet someone you don’t know or do know but have suspicions about
- Block or break off contact
- Tell your parent or another safe adult
- If safe to do so, keep a record for evidence
- Report it to Cybertip.ca
- Know it is not your fault — it’s not ok for adults to give sexual attention to teens
It’s ok to interact with people online, but not for them to make you feel uncomfortable.
Learn more at Canada.ca/childexploitation