05/14/2026
Have you ever wondered how people who s*xually abuse children are often able to fool everyone around them?
The answer is often grooming.
Grooming is a deliberate process where someone builds trust with a child, family, or community to gain access while avoiding suspicion. Many grooming behaviors appear caring, helpful, or "normal" on the surface - which is what makes them so difficult to recognize.
What Are the Real Red Flags?
– Unusual favoritism toward a specific child: special gifts, private outings, or excessive attention that sets them apart.
– Overstepping physical boundaries, especially unwanted hugs, back rubs, or “accidental” touching.
– S*xualized jokes or conversations disguised as “education.”
– Watching a child undress or exposing themselves.
– Frequent secrets shared with a child—starting small but escalating.
– Isolation tactics—encouraging the child not to talk to others or mistrusting adults.
– Providing drugs or alcohol to adolescents.
What can we do to prevent grooming?
– Learn the stages & behavior checklist – have honest talks and share it with your child’s network.
– Watch for patterns – One red flag may not be a concern, but two or three? Take action.
– Educators & Coaches, add safety checks: Integrate grooming red flags into training—put policies in place (like no unsupervised one-on-one time, use cameras, put adults in sight).
– Empower communication – teach children it’s always okay to talk—and adults will listen with trust.
To learn more click here:
https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/the-real-red-flags-of-grooming/
Dr. Jeglic and her team’s research seeks to identify the pre-offense behaviors—those subtle but telling signs—that often happen before abuse occurs. To read more about her research, go here: https://www.elizabethjeglic.com/post/identification-of-red-flag-s*xual-grooming-behaviors
By recognizing grooming behaviors and responding early, we can turn red flags into powerful shields for kids. Read on to learn what you need to know.
