AI, Online Grooming, and Child Safety
Start the Conversation
Know the Warning Signs
Report a Concern
Understanding the Risks in a Changing Digital World
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools and chatbots are becoming a normal part of everyday life. Many children and teens use AI for homework help, entertainment, creativity, and conversation. While these technologies offer benefits, they can also create new opportunities for online exploitation.
Online grooming, luring, and AI-enabled child sexual abuse are growing concerns across the country. Offenders are increasingly using technology to build trust with children, manipulate conversations, create fake identities, and exploit personal information. In some cases, artificial intelligence is being used to generate realistic images, videos, and messages that can be used to deceive or coerce young people.
These risks can feel overwhelming, but awareness and open communication are powerful tools.
Understanding how these tactics work is one of the best ways to help keep children safe online.
What is Online Grooming?
Online grooming occurs when an individual builds a relationship with a child or teenager in order to manipulate, exploit, or abuse them.
Grooming often happens gradually. A person may offer attention, compliments, gifts, emotional support, or friendship to gain a child’s trust before introducing inappropriate conversations, requests, or behavior.
Today’s technology allows offenders to connect with children through:
Social Media Platforms
Online Gaming Communities
Messaging Apps
Livestreaming Platforms
AI-Powered Chat Tools and Virtual Companions
Not every online interaction is dangerous, but it’s important to recognize that offenders often use the same spaces children use every day.
How AI Is Changing the Landscape
Artificial intelligence is creating new challenges for families and child safety professionals. As technology evolves, children may have difficulty recognizing whether they are communicating with a real person, an AI-generated persona, or someone pretending to be someone they are not.
This makes ongoing conversations about online safety more important than ever.
Some offenders may use AI to:
Create fake profiles or identities
Generate realistic conversations that appear trustworthy
Manipulate photos or videos
Create fake or altered images of children
Build emotional dependence through extended online interactions
Make scams, coercion, or exploitation appear more believable
Signs a Child May Need Support
Changes in behavior do not automatically mean something harmful is happening, but they can signal a need for conversation and support.
Behaviors to watch for
Increased secret around devices or online activity
Quickly hiding screens when others enter the room
Emotional distress when devices are limited or unavailable
Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed
Significant changes in mood, sleep, or daily routines
Spending excessive time interacting with chatbots or online contacts
Becoming defensive when asked about online relationships
If you notice these changes, approach the conversation with curiosity rather than judgement.
How to Talk With Your Child About AI
Open, ongoing conversations are one of the most effective ways to promote online safety.
Start With Curiosity
Ask questions about the apps, games, and AI tools your child uses. Show genuine interest in their experiences.
Discuss the Difference Between Technology and Relationships
Help children understand that chatbots and AI tools are not substitutes for trusted relationships with family members, friends, teachers, or other caring adults.
Talk About Privacy
Encourage children not to share personal information, photos, addresses, passwords, or sensitive details online or with AI tools.
Create a Safe Space
Make sure your child knows they can come to you if something online makes them uncomfortable, confused, scared, or pressured.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Grooming or Exploitation?
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.
Stay Calm
Children are more likely to share information when they feel supported rather than blamed.
Preserve Evidence
Avoid deleting messages, screenshots, images, usernames, or other information that may help investigators understand what occurred.
Limit Further Contact
Help your child stop communicating with the individual or account involved.
Report Concerns
If you believe a child may be in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement right away. You can also report suspected online child exploitation to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline.
Reach Out for Support
You do not have to navigate these concerns alone. Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center can help connect families with resources, answer questions, and provide guidance on next steps. Our team is committed to helping children and families find support in a safe, child-focused environment.
NPCAC Is Here to Help
Technology continues to change, but one thing remains the same: children need trusted adults who are informed, engaged, and willing to have difficult conversations.
If you have concerns about online safety, grooming, exploitation, or a child’s well-being, contact Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center. Together, we can help protect children and support families in our community.