Prevalence of Grooming

Is child abuse really a problem in Canada? 1 in 3 Canadians report to have been abused in some form in their child/youthhood, with 1 in 10 being sexually victimized before turning 18.

From cybertip.ca:
In the past two years, Cybertip.ca analysts have classified 305 reports as luring, an attempt made by offenders to gain access to children. Of those reports:

 *   39% involved victims 13 years old or under, with the youngest being 8 years old
 *   43% involved victims 14–17 years old
 *   22% of incidents occurred on Facebook/Facebook Messenger
 *   34% of incidents occurred on Instagram, Snapchat, or KIK Messenger
 *   9% of incidents occurred on an online gaming platform

Once the luring act takes place, and the offender has made contact, they use grooming tactics to gain the trust once they have connected with these children.  Luring and Grooming can take place wherever offenders have access, not just online: sports, schools, daycares, youth groups, etc.
(read more about the grooming stages here)

Some children are more at risk of grooming, particularly those who are vulnerable. Children in care, with disabilities or who are neglected can be targeted by groomers. Groomers will exploit any vulnerability to increase the likelihood a child or young person will become dependent on them and less likely to speak out – NSPCC.org.uk

The best way to prevent your child from online luring or grooming is to understand what these stages look like, and how to identify concerning behaviors and respond to odd interactions. Empowering yourself and your family with this information will help create healthy and open relationships, and will support in any event that action may need to take place.

Visit https://protectchildren.ca/pdfs/C3P_ChildSexualAbuse_ItIsYourBusiness_en.pdf for more information.

Reports of child abuse must be made to the following reporting sources:
Edmonton Police Service Complaint Line: 780-423-4567
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or Text CONNECT to 686868
Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477
Online Exploitation: cybertip.ca
Or your local police/RCMP detachment.