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Keeping Young Girls Safe from Predators: Warning Signs and Practical Safety Tips for Social Media and the Streets
In today’s hyper-connected world, young girls face increasing risks from sexual predators — both online and in the real world. These predators often use manipulative tactics to lure, exploit, and sometimes coerce girls into inappropriate sexual situations, including being filmed in sex acts without consent. Whether posing as friends, influencers, or even romantic interests, predators use charm, pressure, and lies to gain trust and control.
This article aims to educate young girls, parents, and guardians on how to stay alert and avoid these dangers — particularly on social media platforms and in everyday life.
Understanding the Threat: Who Are the Predators
Predators can be anyone — strangers, acquaintances, or even people known to the victim. They come from all backgrounds and may operate in person or online. Many exploit social media to stalk, groom, or manipulate victims, often pretending to be younger or trustworthy figures.
IWF warns full effects of lockdown are only now becoming apparent as younger children are groomed into sexual abuse online.
Imagery of primary school aged children being coached to perform sexual acts online has soared by more than 1,000 per cent since the UK went into lockdown during the pandemic, new data shows.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) says, since 2019, it has seen a 1,058 per cent increase in the number of webpages showing sexual abuse images and videos of children aged 7-10 who have been recorded via an internet connected device, often by a predator who has contacted them online.
The IWF is the UK organisation which tracks down videos and imagery of child sexual abuse online and works to have it removed.
The charity warns the pandemic saw thousands of children relying on the internet to learn, socialise, and play – something which internet predators have exploited to coerce more children into sexual activities, and sometimes even including their friends or siblings, over internet-connected webcams and smartphones.
They may:
• Offer gifts, compliments, or validation to build trust.
• Flatter or ask for inappropriate photos under the guise of romance or modeling.
• Threaten or blackmail once they’ve obtained compromising content.
• Try to meet in person after building rapport online.
Social Media Safety Tips for Girls
1. Keep Profiles Private: Set all social media accounts to “private” and avoid sharing personal details like your school, location, or contact information.
2. Be Cautious with Friend Requests: Only accept friend/follower requests from people you know in real life. Predators often use fake profiles.
3. Avoid Sharing Inappropriate Content: Never send or post nude or semi-nude photos, even to someone you trust. Once shared, you lose control of that image forever.
4. Beware of Grooming Behavior: If someone starts asking for secrets, flirty talk, or images — especially if they say to “keep it between us” — block and report them immediately.
5. Use Platform Safety Tools: Learn how to report users and block unwanted contact. Most platforms allow you to report grooming behavior and predators anonymously.
6. Talk to Someone You Trust: If anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, talk to a parent, teacher, or trusted adult. You are never alone.
Street Smarts: Staying Safe in Public
1. Stay in Groups: Predators are less likely to approach girls who are walking with friends or family.
2. Trust Your Instincts: If someone makes you feel uneasy, walk away, enter a shop or public place, or call someone immediately.
3. Keep Your Phone Charged and Accessible: Always have a way to call for help. Save emergency contacts in speed dial.
4. Avoid Isolated Areas: Stick to well-lit streets and busy places, especially at night.
5. Never Get Into a Stranger’s Car: Even if they claim to know your family or say something is wrong — always check with a parent or guardian first.
Signs of Grooming and What to Do
Grooming is when an adult or older teen builds a relationship with a child to exploit them later. Signs include:
• Excessive flattery and attention.
• Secrecy around a new “online friend.”
• Receiving gifts or money from someone you haven’t met.
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood.
If you suspect grooming:
• Stop all contact with the person.
• Save screenshots and messages.
• Report to the police, school counselor, or an online safety agency such as CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command in the UK).
A Message to Girls: You Are Not to Blame
No matter what a predator says or does, the blame never lies with the victim. If someone pressures, grooms, or films you in any way — speak out. You have the right to be safe, respected, and protected.
Resources for Help (UK)
• CEOP (Report abuse online): https://www.ceop.police.uk
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Childline (24/7 confidential support): 0800 1111
• The Mix (Support for under 25s): https://www.themix.org.uk
Final Thought:
Staying safe isn’t about living in fear — it’s about being aware, confident, and informed. Together, families, schools, and communities can empower young girls to navigate life safely and protect themselves from those who seek to do harm.
Attached is a news article regarding young girls keeping safe from sex predators online look to make sexual video to exploit them online
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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