Online Exploitation

Digital grooming is the new playground predator.

If your child is online, they’re being watched.

Predators don’t need a white van — they need Wi-Fi.

They’re targeting kids through gaming, chat apps, and virtual worlds.

Online Grooming: What Is It?

Not everyone online is who they say they are. Grooming happens when someone builds trust with you—only to manipulate or exploit you later. It starts off casual. Maybe compliments. Maybe a DM. Maybe a joke in a group chat. But it always crosses a line.

60% of kids have unknowingly engaged with a predator via chat online.

How Online Grooming Really Works

They don’t start with force. They start with friendship.

It happens in games, DMs, chats, group apps, etc.

They Read Emotions

“Your parents don’t get you? Same here.”

They Shower with Compliments

“You’re really pretty. I bet no one sees that.”

They Test Boundaries

“You can tell me anything.” They joke about things that feel off. “You’re mature for your age.”

They Switch Platforms

“Let’s move to Snapchat — it’s safer.”

They Ask for Secrets

“Keep this between us, okay?”

They Threaten

“If you don’t send more, I’ll post what you already sent.” They might say you “owe” them.

Parents: What Should You Do?

Platforms Matter. Let’s Talk About Them.

Your child’s favorite app is more than just a place to scroll — it’s a portal. Whether they’re gaming, messaging, livestreaming, or posting, every platform shapes how they think, interact, and view themselves.

We’re not here to panic you. We’re here to equip you. Because understanding the online spaces your child uses is one of the most powerful ways to keep them safe — and connected to you.

You don’t have to know every trending app. But you do need to know which ones your child uses. Ask them to show you how it works. What do they love about it? What’s weird or uncomfortable? Treat your child like your best guide — because they are.

Most major apps — even the risky ones — offer safety settings, reporting tools, and parent guides. You just have to know where to look. Bookmark these before your child downloads anything new. The more you know, the better you can help them set boundaries.

Start With Curiosity — Not Control

Learn the Apps

Some platforms connect kids to fun. Others connect them to danger. And many do both.

Normalize talking about:

Things they’ve seen or heard online
How they handle private messages or invites
What to do if someone says something inappropriate
Not every conversation has to be heavy. Just keep them going.

The Metaverse Is Not Child’s Play

Keep Checking In

Apps evolve. Features change. And kids find new ways to connect.

Stay engaged by:

Asking what’s new or trending
Following tech news from trusted parent sources
Sharing your own app experiences — good or bad

The goal isn’t control. It’s connection.

Tech That Protects

Proactive Solutions to Protect Children — Online and Offline

We combine decades of frontline experience, cutting-edge tools, and survivor-informed insight to stop exploitation before it starts.

From family-based prevention to policy reform and tech accountability, our work empowers parents, educators, law enforcement, and platforms to recognize the signs, intervene early, and shut down abuse.

We don’t just expose the problem — we build the solution.

Partner with us to protect kids, strengthen communities, and disrupt the systems that enable trafficking and exploitation.

Trusted Technology Partners in Child Protection

We vet every partner with one goal: protecting children at scale. These organizations offer powerful tools for families, schools, platforms, and law enforcement — helping you detect abuse, prevent exploitation, and build safer environments for kids online and off.

These are the tools we trust.

Each one is survivor-informed, evidence-based, and aligned with our mission to end trafficking.

Covenant Eyes

Bark

Net Nanny

Protect Young Eyes

Defend Young Minds

Enough Is Enough

Pure Sight

6 Questions to Ask Your Child’s School About Technology

Because digital safety at school matters as much as it does at home.

Technology can be a powerful tool for learning, but it can also open the door to risks — from excessive screen time to unsafe apps, data collection, and even AI-driven tools that aren’t age-appropriate. As a parent, you have a right to know exactly how technology is being used in your child’s classroom.

Below are six key questions you can ask your school, why they matter, and what to look for in the answers.

What are your technology policies? Can I inspect them?

Why it matters: Policies should be current, clear, and accessible to every parent.

What to ask for:

The full, updated written policy
Details on student privacy, device usage, and online conduct
How often is the policy reviewed and updated

How much screen time will my child have during the day, and what digital tools will they be using?

Why it matters: Both time on screens and type of tools affect learning, development, and mental health.

What to ask for:

Daily and weekly screen time limits by grade
A list of hardware (Chromebooks, tablets, etc.) and software (apps, programs)
How the school balances technology with hands-on learning

Who evaluates the apps, websites, and AI tools used in classrooms for privacy and protection standards?

Why it matters: Many EdTech apps collect and sell student data. AI adds even more privacy risks.

What to ask for:

Who approves new digital tools (IT, administrators, district)
The review process for privacy compliance
Any partnerships with third-party vendors

Do teachers receive professional development to stay current on digital trends and use AI safely?

Why it matters: Teachers need training to implement technology in a safe and developmentally appropriate way.

What to ask for:

Frequency and topics of digital safety training

How teachers are prepared for new tech like AI

Whether training includes both technical skills and digital empathy

What network-level filtering and monitoring exists, and who is reviewing incidents?

Why it matters: Filtering alone is not enough — there must be human oversight to catch risks in real time.

What to ask for:

What filtering software is in place on school networks and devices
How flagged incidents are handled and by whom
How parents are notified of potential safety issues

What alternatives are available for families who opt out of certain digital tools?

Why it matters: Parents should always have safe, non-digital alternatives.

What to ask for:

The opt-out process
Alternative assignments or resources
How your child’s learning will be supported without penalty

Review your school’s technology policies and request copies if you haven’t seen them.
Start the conversation early — ask these questions before the school year begins or when new tech is introduced.

More Resources To Help You Protect Your Children

Youth: What Should You Do?

Remember: not everyone who's nice is safe.

Practice Online Safe Habits

What does your digital life say about you?

Let’s be honest—the internet isn’t going anywhere. You use it to learn, laugh, connect, and explore. That’s not a bad thing. But how you show up online matters just as much as how you show up in real life. And if you follow Jesus, you’re called to live differently. Not just in church. Not just around your friends. But everywhere—even in the group chat.

“Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

So, what does your digital life say about who (and Whose) you are?