Introduction
In today’s digitally connected world, ensuring our children’s online safety has become more crucial than ever. With a 5000% surge in Google searches for setting up safety features over the past three months, it’s clear that parents are increasingly concerned about protecting their children from the lurking dangers of the internet, especially the rise in online grooming crimes in recent years.
The Power of Connection
One of the most significant safety measures parents and educators can provide to children is a strong and open connection. When children feel comfortable sharing their experiences, including the unpleasant ones, without fearing repercussions like losing WiFi or gaming privileges, they are more likely to disclose and seek help. This connection forms the bedrock of a supportive environment, essential for navigating online threats.
Early prevention efforts in Lithuania
In Lithuania, a staggering reality is unfolding: one in three teenagers aged 12 to 16 has encountered sexual violence online. These early traumas cast long shadows, making it clear that we need to act now. Enter the CESAGRAM project, a critical initiative aimed at protecting our youngest and most vulnerable—those aged 11 to 14—from the dangers lurking online.
The Missing Persons Families Support Centre (MPFSC), a partner in CESAGRAM, is leading the change in Lithuania. For over 25 years, this organization has been a lifeline for families of missing children, and now they’re expanding their mission to tackle the pressing issue of online grooming. MPFSC is leveraging the tools and strategies developed through CESAGRAM to prevent grooming in both formal and informal educational settings. Their approach? Empowering children with the knowledge and confidence to recognize and resist manipulative behavior online.
Through interactive training sessions, MPFSC has already reached 150 children between the ages of 11 and 15, as well as 52 parents and foster parents, in smaller Lithuanian municipalities. These sessions are more than just lectures; they’re hands-on experiences designed to get teenagers talking and thinking critically about their online interactions. This approach is crucial in building awareness and resilience among young people, giving them the tools they need to protect themselves.
The insights gathered from these training sessions are eye-opening. Alarmingly, one in three children admitted they would do almost anything to help someone online who claimed to be in distress. Even more concerning, over 70% of the children believed that women could never be groomers—highlighting a dangerous misconception that needs to be addressed.
Parents and foster parents, on the other hand, are grappling with their own challenges. During trainings, many confessed that their go-to strategy for protecting their children is to hack into their phones and monitor their communications. While this speaks to their deep concern, it also reveals a troubling gap in knowledge and confidence when it comes to responding if a child discloses online sexual violence. Despite these gaps, many parents are reluctant to participate in trainings, often citing work or family commitments as barriers.
The work being done by MPFSC through the CESAGRAM project is not just important—it’s urgent. By fostering open dialogue, practical education, and a deeper understanding of the threats that exist online, they are helping to build a safer future for Lithuania’s children. But to truly make a difference, it will take the combined efforts of educators, parents, and the broader community to ensure that no child has to navigate these dangers alone.
A Real-Life Story
Consider John’s story, an 11-year-old from Lithuania:
“I met a friend while gaming. He said he was my age, also 11, and I had no reason to doubt him. One evening, my mom heard me talking in English with my friend and asked why. I lied, saying I was playing with a classmate and his friend from the U.S. My mom called my classmate’s mom, who confirmed they had no guests from the U.S. She confronted me about lying and warned me about the dangers of talking to strangers online. She reduced my screen time and banned the game. I was furious. My friend did nothing wrong. That was the day I decided never to share anything about my online activities with my mom.”
John’s story highlights a common dilemma. How would you react if John were your child? What if his online friend was indeed an adult posing as a peer to gain his trust?
Steps to Take if Your Child Might Be a Victim of Grooming
If you suspect your child might be a victim of tech-facilitated grooming, consider the following steps:
- Stay Calm and Listen
It’s crucial to hear your child’s perspective without judgment. If a bond with a groomer has formed, labeling them as a criminal might alienate your child further. Listen patiently and avoid interruptions. - Provide Reassurance
Assure your child that they did the right thing by telling you and that they are not at fault. Reinforce that grooming is a crime, and the blame lies solely with the perpetrator. - Ensure Safety and Document Proof
Make sure the groomer can no longer contact your child. Collect and document all evidence of their interactions and report it to the appropriate authorities. - Seek Professional Support
Grooming can affect the entire family. It’s vital to seek specialized support not just for your child, but also for yourself. By taking care of your well-being, you’ll be better equipped to support your child through this challenging time.
Features of the Project
CESAGRAM project was featured as a good practice example in a study “Understanding and Combating Grooming: Danish and Baltic Cooperation” that analyzed the situation of grooming in Baltic states. This recognition underscores the project’s effectiveness and relevance in addressing online grooming threats.
Conclusion and points for further discussion
The rise in online grooming crimes is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and communication in the digital age. Initiatives like CESAGRAM are crucial in equipping young people and their families with the tools to navigate these dangers. By fostering open connections, staying informed, and seeking professional support, we can help ensure that our children thrive safely online.Remember John? Talk to your family about how your family would handle John’s situation, let each family member and/or classmate share their experiences navigating the online world, develop and present their response to John’s situation.
