Grooming
When someone builds a relationship with a child in order to exploit or abuse them. Online grooming often involves flattery, gifts, secrecy, and gradually pushing boundaries.
In plain English
When someone builds a relationship with a child in order to exploit or abuse them. Online grooming often involves flattery, gifts, secrecy, and gradually pushing boundaries.
Why it matters
Online grooming can move very quickly, especially in livestream and gaming chats. Children often do not see it as abuse because the adult is kind to them at first. Knowing the pattern of attention, isolation, and secrecy helps families and schools spot it early.
Related
Risks and topics
Reporting routes
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17