Online safety, grooming awareness & early warning signs

---

🚩 1. Possible warning signs

Tick any that feel concerning:

• ☐ Sudden secrecy around phone / online activity
• ☐ New or hidden social media accounts
• ☐ Excessive time online, especially at night
• ☐ Quickly closing screens when adults enter
• ☐ Withdrawal from family or friends
• ☐ Mood changes after being online (anxious, upset, flat)
• ☐ Receiving gifts, money, or unknown messages
• ☐ Refusing to talk about an “online friend”
• ☐ Fearful or defensive if phone use is mentioned

---

🧠 2. Emotional red flags

• ☐ Increased anxiety or low mood
• ☐ Sudden secrecy or shame
• ☐ Loss of interest in normal activities
• ☐ Confusion about relationships or boundaries

---

📱 3. Online grooming warning signs

Be alert if someone:

• ☐ Asks to move conversations to private apps
• ☐ Encourages secrecy (“don’t tell anyone”)
• ☐ Gives excessive attention, praise, or gifts
• ☐ Requests photos, videos, or personal information
• ☐ Uses guilt, pressure, or emotional manipulation

---

🟡 4. What to do (DO THIS FIRST)

• ☐ Stay calm (avoid confrontation or panic)
• ☐ Keep communication open and non-judgemental
• ☐ Ask gentle questions about online friendships
• ☐ Listen more than you speak
• ☐ Observe patterns, not single incidents

---

❌ 5. What NOT to do

• ☐ Do not investigate the person yourself
• ☐ Do not message or confront suspected individuals
• ☐ Do not punish the child for disclosing concerns
• ☐ Do not dismiss “gut feelings”

---

📞 6. Where to get help (Spain)

• 112 – Emergency services
• 091 Policía Nacional
• 062 Guardia Civil (EMUME units)
• 017 INCIBE – Online safety helpline (free, confidential)
• 016 – National support line (advice & guidance)

---

🧭 7. Key principle

You do not need proof to ask for help.
Concern is enough to act.

---

🧠 8. Grounding reminder

Most online grooming starts by looking like:

• attention
• friendship
• emotional connection

But healthy relationships do not rely on secrecy, pressure, or control.

---