Identifying and Preventing Grooming

With the online landscape constantly evolving, safeguarding officers need to stay informed and proactive. Here are some critical ways to identify potential grooming behaviours and provide timely intervention.

1. Recognising Behavioural Changes as a sign of grooming in Pupils

One of the first indicators of grooming can be sudden and unexplained behavioural changes. A pupil who has been chatty and engaged may become withdrawn, anxious, or secretive, particularly around their phone or computer usage. They might also seem emotionally distant, distracted, or exhibit mood swings that seem out of character. These changes could indicate that a child is in communication with someone online who may be manipulating or controlling them.

2. How grooming leads to Increased Secrecy Around Technology Use

Children who are being groomed often become highly protective of their devices, as they are typically the medium through which the abuse is occurring. Look out for pupils who are constantly on their phone or tablet, particularly if they seem reluctant to let others see their screens. They might also try to hide certain apps or messages or react defensively if asked about their online activity. This is particularly relevant given that almost half of recent grooming cases involved Snapchat, a platform that allows temporary messages and is challenging to monitor.

3. Identifying New, Unexplained Friendships

A child being groomed might mention a new friend, often significantly older, with whom they share an unusual closeness. In grooming cases, perpetrators often position themselves as trustworthy adults or older peers to gain the child's confidence. Safeguarding officers should listen carefully when a pupil speaks about online friends and consider whether the nature of these connections seems appropriate.

4. Spotting Signs of Control and Coercion

Groomers often use tactics of manipulation and control to establish authority over their victims. This can manifest in ways like pressuring the child to keep their friendship a secret, asking for personal or explicit photos, or even instructing them on how to behave. These situations can lead to the child feeling trapped, frightened, or dependent on their abuser for validation. Safeguarding officers should be mindful of any changes in a pupil’s language or attitudes, especially if they start mirroring the behaviour or language of someone they talk about online.

5. Monitoring Emotional Distress

A victim of grooming may show signs of stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem. They might express feelings of worthlessness or guilt, or appear distressed without explanation. The secrecy, isolation, and fear instilled by groomers often leave children feeling conflicted and confused. By maintaining open communication and creating a safe, supportive environment, safeguarding officers can encourage pupils to share their feelings, making it easier to identify and respond to any issues.

A Call for Stronger Safeguarding Measures

Given the sharp rise in online grooming cases, the NSPCC is calling for Ofcom to strengthen its approach to child sexual abuse, specifically within private messaging on social media platforms. 
The NSPCC also urges the UK government to ensure Ofcom has the power to tackle these issues effectively. With digital communication so prevalent among young people, it is crucial for schools to remain vigilant and proactive.

The Role of CURA Safeguarding Software in Logging Concerns

For schools, effective safeguarding is built on consistent monitoring and clear documentation of concerns. CURA’s safeguarding software offers a centralised, secure system where schools can log, track, and address any safeguarding concerns raised by teachers, pupils, or parents. CURA’s platform makes it easy to compile information and generate reports, allowing safeguarding officers to spot trends and respond swiftly to incidents. 
As grooming cases reach unprecedented levels, adopting comprehensive safeguarding solutions like CURA can help schools act with efficiency and confidence. Protect your pupils by investing in CURA safeguarding software, empowering your team to log, monitor, and address safeguarding concerns with accuracy and care. Click here to get in touch

To find out more about grooming please  take a look at the Metropolitan Police website.