What is grooming?

 

Groomers try to build an online relationship with the child though social media, chatting in a forum, chatting in an online game or on any other platform for online communication. Young people who are isolated or do not feel accepted may be more vulnerable to grooming, including young people exploring their sexuality or gender.

If you want to learn more about how groomers get close to children and how they keep control, you can refer to Netsafe – What is grooming(external link).

Educator resources

Safeguarding Children have developed the Fundamentals of Safeguarding and Child Protection(external link) eLearning module for anyone working with tamariki in the intermediate sector, for example, a teacher, teacher's aide, parent/whānau helper or administrator. The module provides information on the prevention of child abuse, and how to recognise and respond to child safety and wellbeing concerns.

Classroom resources

Exploitation isn’t always physical, it can happen online. The below resources will help facilitate discussions around grooming:

  • NZ Police have developed Keeping Ourselves Safe(external link), a child abuse prevention programme for schools which helps students to recognise the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships in the physical and online worlds, and encourage students who have been or are being abused to seek help.
  • In The Know – Creating sexual content(external link) provides tips and tools you can offer young people who may be more vulnerable and curious about creating sexual content.
  • Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura(external link) research highlights the importance of the Internet for rainbow youth to reduce feelings of isolation by connecting with others who support their identities. Online material on consent and healthy relationships is actively sought out by rainbow young people.

Videos

Sharing intimate images

In The Know(external link) is a great resource to direct young people to who are struggling with online sexual issues (external link)including:

  • Worried about nudes and online sexual experiences.
  • Feeling pressure to watch porn or want to cut down porn usage.
  • Experiencing mental health or body image issues.
  • Feeling uncomfortable with something they’ve seen online.
  • Thinking about creating online sexual content.
  • Worried about watching aggressive online content.

Classroom resources

Some young people are still at risk and curious about creating content. Below are some resources you can use to have discussions with young people about what to do when they encounter intimate content online and the harm that sharing someone else’s intimate images without their consent can cause.

Videos

  • The Eggplant | Episode 3: On Heat, Packed Meat(external link) is a drama-crime-comedy online web series to help young Kiwis safely navigate the Internet. This episode discusses the importance of consent, the risks associated with sharing intimate images and why it’s wrong to share someone else’s intimate images.

The Eggplant | Episode 3: On Heat, Packed Meat

 

  • The BareFacts(external link) is a campaign by Netsafe and the Classification Office that empowers young people to have positive kōrero – with peers, parents, teachers and whānau – about why nudes are sent, the need for consent and how to get help if things don’t pan out.

Te Mana Whakaatu Classification Office & Netsafe | The Bare Facts

 

  • Tagged(external link) is an award-winning short film supported by teaching resources that encourages young people to reflect on the real life consequences of sharing intimate images and a negative digital reputation.