From Stranger Danger to Digital Danger: How Online Grooming Has Changed

For many parents, the phrase “stranger danger” brings to mind warnings from childhood: don’t talk to strangers, don’t get into a car with someone you don’t know, and don’t share personal information. While those lessons are still important, today’s dangers often don’t come from a stranger in a parking lot—they come through a smartphone, gaming platform, social media account, or messaging app.

As children and teens spend more time online, predators have adapted their tactics. Instead of approaching a child in person, they may spend days, weeks, or even months building trust online before exploiting, manipulating, or coercing their victims.

Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued warnings about a growing network known as “764” and similar online groups that target children and vulnerable individuals through social media, gaming platforms, and messaging applications. According to the FBI, these networks use grooming, manipulation, threats, and blackmail to exploit victims, many of whom are between the ages of 10 and 17. Some victims have been as young as 9 years old.¹

While groups like 764 have drawn national attention, the reality is that online grooming can happen anywhere and through many different platforms. Understanding how grooming works is one of the most important steps parents and caregivers can take to protect children.

What Is Online Grooming?

Online grooming occurs when someone builds a relationship with a child or teenager for the purpose of exploitation. The process often begins innocently. An individual may offer friendship, attention, compliments, gifts, gaming items, emotional support, or simply someone to talk to.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) explains that online enticement can involve sexual conversations, requests for explicit images, sextortion, or attempts to arrange in-person meetings.²

Grooming is rarely immediate. Instead, offenders often gain a child’s trust before gradually crossing boundaries.

How Grooming Has Changed

Today’s online predators understand that children are often taught not to talk to strangers. Instead of acting like strangers, they work hard to appear trustworthy.

A predator may:

• Pretend to be a peer.
• Share similar interests.
• Offer emotional support during a difficult time.
• Encourage secrecy.
• Create a sense of exclusivity or special connection.
• Gradually push boundaries over time.

Some offenders target children who may already be struggling with loneliness, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, or family conflict. According to the FBI, recent investigations have shown that violent online networks frequently seek out vulnerable youth and use manipulation, threats, and coercion to maintain control.¹

Warning Signs Parents May Notice

Every child is different, but some warning signs may indicate that a young person is experiencing online manipulation or exploitation:

• Sudden secrecy about online activities.
• Anxiety or distress when receiving messages.
• New online friendships they refuse to discuss.
• Withdrawal from family or friends.
• Significant changes in mood or behavior.
• Excessive concern about privacy on devices.
• Increased isolation.
• Signs of fear, shame, or emotional distress related to social media use.

It’s important to remember that these signs do not automatically mean a child is being groomed. However, they can signal that a conversation may be needed.

Why This Matters in Rural Communities

Sometimes parents assume that online exploitation is primarily an issue in large cities. The reality is that the internet removes geographic barriers.

Children in rural communities are just as accessible to online predators as children anywhere else. Whether a family lives in a major metropolitan area or a small Alabama town, online interactions can connect children with people from across the country—or around the world—in a matter of seconds.

The FBI has specifically noted that violent online networks operate across social media platforms, gaming communities, and mobile applications commonly used by young people.¹

Building Protection Through Connection

Technology filters, parental controls, and privacy settings can be helpful tools, but the most effective protection is often an open and trusting relationship.

Experts recommend:

• Having regular conversations about online safety.
• Encouraging children to talk about their online friendships.
• Teaching children that healthy relationships never require secrecy.
• Letting young people know they can ask for help without fear of punishment.
• Reminding children that no online mistake is too big to discuss with a trusted adult.

When children know they can come to a parent, caregiver, teacher, or trusted adult without judgment, they are more likely to seek help if something feels wrong.

Help Is Available

If you believe a child may be experiencing online exploitation, grooming, or coercion, take concerns seriously and seek support immediately.

SafeHouse is committed to helping children, teens, and families navigate issues related to safety, abuse, and exploitation. If you or someone you know needs support after experiencing domestic or sexual abuse, contact our 24-hour crisis line or visit our website to learn more about available services.

And if you believe someone you know is (or you are) a victim of exploitation, you can report it at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline.

Sources

1. Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Violent Online Networks Target Vulnerable and Underage Populations Across the United States and Around the Globe” (March 2025).
2. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. “Online Enticement.”