I’m working with a 14-year-old boy who is questioning his sexuality. He has recently met someone through a chatroom who claims to be the same age and wants to meet despite living 75 miles away. I’m concerned he may be being groomed. What should I do?
Jeanie Lynch: It’s easy for vulnerable young people to get caught up in social media friendships and relationships. This can lead to internet grooming.
The Digital Dangers report published by Barnardo’s and the Marie Collins Foundation found young people often keep online grooming or abuse a secret and those targeted online can be younger than children sexually exploited and groomed offline.
It would be good to work with this young man on healthy relationships, including building self-esteem and friendships. Help him access local support for those questioning their sexuality such as a youth group.
Talk to him about his online friend. Ask him to show you chats he has had or photos he’s been sent and talk to him about the dangers of internet grooming. There are lots of resources that will help him understand online friends aren’t always who they seem.
Jeanie Lynch works for Barnardo’s and has 25 years’ experience of working with vulnerable children and families
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