Trends and Risk Factors in Grooming Incidents
Trends and Increase in Grooming Incidents
Hundreds of thousands of online predators are active daily on social media, chatrooms, and gaming platforms.
89% of sexual advances toward minors occur via internet chat or messaging.
Family and Caregiver Factors:
- Lack of parental supervision increases risk.
- Weak parent–child relationships or family conflict push children to seek support from outsiders, making them vulnerable to predators.
Risky Online Behaviors:
- Lying about age to access adult platforms exposes minors to online predators.
- Engaging in sexual conversations or sharing explicit content raises the risk of grooming and sextortion.
- 15–20% of teens have considered meeting someone they met online – a behavior predators actively encourage.
Graph 1: NCMEC CyberTipline Reports of Online Enticement
This line chart illustrates the dramatic increase in online enticement reports received by the NCMEC CyberTipline.
- 2019: 19,100 cases
- 2020: 37,800 cases (97.5% increase)
- 2023: 186,000+ cases – the highest ever
- 2024 (first 10 months): 456,000+ cases, on pace to set a record
"A steep upward trend in online enticement reports over the past few years."
Graph 2: Key Risk Factors for Grooming
This donut chart represents assumed proportional risk factors that increase vulnerability to grooming.
- Being female increases risk (though boys are also victims).
- LGBTQ+ youth are often targeted as offenders exploit their search for acceptance.
- Children with intellectual or developmental disabilities are at higher risk.
- Low self-esteem, depression, past trauma, or social isolation make youth more susceptible.
"The donut chart highlights key individual vulnerabilities that groomers may exploit."
Graph 3: Table Format of Statistics
The table below summarizes key statistics and notes related to grooming, online sexual abuse, and associated risk factors.
"This table compiles key statistics and notes that shed light on the scope and nature of grooming-related risks."
Key Takeaways
- Drastic changes in a child’s behavior, mood, or social patterns—especially increased secrecy or new, unexplained relationships—should be taken seriously.
- While teens naturally seek some privacy and independence, sudden secrecy, unexplained possessions, sexualized behavior, or withdrawal may signal exploitation.