The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan warned parents and minors about the danger of online grooming. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Online grooming is a dangerous method used by criminals to build trusting relationships with children via the internet. It usually starts with a simple acquaintance on social networks, messengers, online games, or popular internet platforms.
"The criminal may pretend to be a teenager to gain trust. He tries to become a 'close friend' to the child: communicates daily, shows special attention, and takes interest in the child's personal life and inner worries," the statement said.
Later, he asks personal questions, trying to find out the child's daily routine, place of residence, social circle, and other details. Then the criminal asks for photos or videos, or to move conversations to intimate topics. He may claim such conversations are normal, demand that the correspondence be kept secret, or exert psychological pressure.
An online groomer is an adult who deliberately establishes contact with a minor via the internet, gains their trust, and subsequently causes harm.
How to protect against online grooming?
- 01Do not talk to strangers on the internet;
- 02Do not disclose personal data: address, phone number, school, and other confidential information;
- 03Do not send photos or videos to unknown users;
- 04If the interlocutor asks intimate questions or asks to keep the correspondence secret, immediately stop communicating;
- 05Block suspicious accounts;
- 06Immediately report any suspicious people online to parents.
The Ministry urges parents to regularly discuss internet safety rules with their children and pay attention to changes in their online activity. A child's safety in the digital environment requires the same vigilance as in real life, the ministry said.