Role and Involvement of Parents in the Cybergrooming Process

Abstract

Parents are the main protectors of the child from the dangers of the Internet, including cybergrooming. However, when faced with cybergroomers, not all parents behave optimally. The article discusses the roles that parents can play in such situations. Particular attention is paid to situations when a parent is used by a criminal to influence a child and involve him in sexual activities; the concept of «parent-mediated cybergrooming» is proposed. The empirical study is a analysis of materials from criminal cases, consisting of 33 transcripts of Internet communications between parents and cyber groomers. Typical parental behaviors are described. Three groups of parents were identified depending on their online behavior and the corresponding potential victimization of their children. The conclusion was made about the predominant desire of parents to protect their children (60.7%). However, some parents put their children at risk (15.1%) or direct danger (24.2%) of cybergrooming and other sexual abuse. Variants of prevention of involvement of minors in cybergrooming, including through communication with their parents, are proposed.