Noor Says NoWhat is online grooming, and how do you protect your child?
Sources reviewed on November 1, 2026. Based on public advice, see below.
Grooming is when someone builds trust with a child in order to abuse them. Online, it can happen in games, apps and social media. For a child of 4 to 7, three rules go a long way: send nothing, keep it in the open, and show a grown-up. In the US, report it to NCMEC.
How does it work?
NCMEC calls this online enticement: someone communicating with a child online with the intent to commit a sexual offense or abduction. It takes place on every platform, including social media, messaging apps and gaming platforms. Common tactics are compliments and shared interests, pretending to be younger, asking for images, and offering gifts such as gift cards.
How common is it?
NCMEC's CyberTipline received more than 186,800 reports of online enticement in 2023, up more than 300% from 2021. Those numbers cover all minors and do not say how many involved young children. Many of the behaviors NCMEC describes apply to older children and teens.
What rules do young children need?
- Send nothing. KidsHealth's list: never post or trade personal pictures, and never reveal your address, phone number or school.
- Never meet up. Never agree to meet someone from online without a parent.
- Always tell. Tell a parent or another trusted adult about anything scary or hurtful. You won't get in trouble for showing us.
What do you do as a parent?
KidsHealth says to spend time online together and to keep devices in a common area, not in bedrooms. It says that teaching safe behavior is more important than blocking material. Also set up parental controls.
What do you do if it happens?
Stay calm and keep the messages. In the US, report at report.cybertip.org or call NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678. If a child is in danger, call 911 or 999. In the UK, you can also contact the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000.
Frequently asked questions
Is my 5-year-old at risk on a tablet?
We don't have figures for this age group. Keep devices in common areas and watch together, so you see what your child sees. Games with chat deserve extra attention.
Should I take away the tablet if something happens?
Think twice. Children who are afraid of losing a device may keep things to themselves. Make clear that showing you is always the right thing.
Keep reading
- How do you set up parental controls on a tablet or phone?
- What is sextortion, and what do you do if it happens?
- Is Roblox safe for your child?
All topics are in the overview of parents' questions. The big picture is in the guide How do you help keep your child safe online? A guide for ages 4 to 8. Want to practice this with your child? That's why the picture book Noor Says No was made.
Sources
Each source was read on November 1, 2026. These organizations are not connected to this site or the book.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Online Enticement.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: CyberTipline.
- Nemours KidsHealth: Internet Safety for Kids & Teens.
- Nemours KidsHealth: Child Abuse.
- GOV.UK: Report child abuse.
This is general information, not a replacement for professional help. Worried about a child? In the US, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453. In the UK, call the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000. Immediate danger: call 911 or 999.
