Learning Objectives Learners will: • define the terms predator, prey and inappropriate • relate the above terms to the grooming process • compare the offline grooming process to online safety issues • create examples of safe responses and/or actions for potential grooming Discussion Talk about each of the following questions as a class. Discussion Raise your hand if you go online. Discussion What activities do you like to do online? Discussion What are a few things you know to do to be safer online? Discussion Can you define the terms predator and prey? Discussion • The term predator and prey originally referred to animals in nature. However, we also use them to identify adults who take advantage of their age and power to become friends with kids for reasons that are inappropriate. • Inappropriate means something that is not suitable and/or is unsafe for kids. Discussion Do you meet friends online? How do you know who you are talking to when online if you can not see the person? Discussion The online environment sometimes allows people to lie about who they are and why they are online. Understanding Predators In nature a predator refers to an animal that lives by capturing and eating other animals. The animals it hunts are called prey. For example, a mountain lion is a predator which hunts the prey – deer. Understanding Predators Unfortunately, we also use these terms to talk about an inappropriate relationship that may occur between an adult and a child. This is because adults are supposed to know better and when they act inappropriately, we classify them as predators. Understanding Predators Predators are not always people you don’t know. Some predators take advantage of knowing a child to form an inappropriate relationship. This can be confusing because children are taught to respect adults. Realize that you have many adults in your life that you can trust – BUT – you should trust them in their specific roles. Understanding Predators For example: Trust your teacher to teach you, not to tutor you alone without telling anyone. Trust your coach to help you win a game, not to take you home alone after practice. Understanding Predators Adults who violate our trust usually want us to keep secrets. Do not keep a secret with an adult from your parent or guardian. Grooming Guide Many predators groom their victims. Grooming According to the dictionary, the definition for grooming is “to get into readiness for a specific objective.” Grooming Every day you get groomed to go to school. In other words, you get ready to go to school. You comb your hair, brush your teeth and put on clothes. Grooming The word “groom” takes on a new meaning when you are talking about the Internet. Some people might want to “groom” you (or get you ready) to do things you wouldn’t normally do, such as meet a stranger without telling your parents. Grooming To get you ready to do these things you would not normally do, they slowly groom you by pretending to be your friend. These people are predators and they could want to hurt you. Grooming Guide We are going to be learning the steps of the grooming process. Grooming Step 1 The predator chooses a likely victim from someone he/she knows and can develop a relationship. Grooming Step 2 The predator initiates a friendship. This is always done by sharing and having the same interests. Grooming Step 3 The predator begins to push limits and boundaries. He or she may talk about embarrassing things or show inappropriate pictures. A predator will want the victim to keep secrets from others. Grooming Step 4 The predator will begin pushing for more frequent contact, inappropriate contact, secret contact, etc. The predator may threaten the victim. Grooming Step 5 The predator talks the victim into an inappropriate relationship, which can be very dangerous. The predator may hurt the victim. Talk About It As a class discuss how grooming is LIKE your personal grooming and how it is DIFFERENT. Remember! Predators groom their prey (children) to do things they shouldn’t, such as lie to their parents about the relationship, etc. Think About It Think about predators in the wild. What are their prey? What happens to their prey? How is this LIKE predators and prey when we are talking about inappropriate relationships? Let’s Apply It For each step of the Grooming Guide, there are things you can do to stay safer both online and off. Step 1 In real life, we are around many adults. Friendships with adults should always be made known to parents/guardians. When online, be careful. Do you reveal anything in your screen name? Do you have an online profile? Step 2 Adults are older and more mature. It is not realistic for them to share every interest or want to be your best friend. These are signs that the relationship may be crossing over into inappropriate. Online, someone claiming all the same interests can be a signal as well. Why might someone do this? How could a person find out your interests online? Step 3 Remember to always talk to your parents/guardians about who you are friends with. If you are not comfortable telling them about something another adult has done that is inappropriate or embarrassing, tell a trusted adult at school or elsewhere. Secrets between an adult and child are bad. The same applies to adults you meet online. Never keep an online relationship a secret! Step 4 Be careful about how much time you spend alone with an adult. If you are ever uncomfortable let another trusted adult or your parent/guardian know. Online, never give out personal information. Report any threats or bullying right away. Step 5 If you happen to fall into an inappropriate relationship with an adult, TELL SOMEONE. The predator is at fault – NOT YOU! Activity Your teacher will hand out the activity page now. Work to complete the activity page on your own or in small groups – as directed by the teacher. Enrichment • Why is it so important to talk to your parents, family and friends about what you learned today? • What are ways you can get this information out to others? Remember Being safer online and keeping your parent or guardian informed of what you are doing, who you are talking to and any new friendships, can keep you from turning into PREY.
