Harm Can Hide Behind the Appearance of Support

The Internet Hotline (IH), the legal assistance service operated by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH), recently received a report revealing a particularly alarming new form of online abuse.

The report was submitted by a concerned parent after discovering that their underage child had been contacted on Snapchat by an adult who falsely presented himself as a mental health support professional available to minors. By assuming this role, the perpetrator gained the child's trust within just a few days and seriously abused that trust.

The three organisations jointly wish to raise awareness of the dangers of online child grooming and emphasise that offenders are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics. Children should always seek emotional support through the official platforms and communication channels of recognised counselling and helpline services.

Good intentions should never be taken for granted

Children and young people naturally place their trust in those who appear to offer support, understanding or help. Unfortunately, some individuals deliberately exploit that trust for harmful purposes.

Particular caution is warranted if someone:

• claims to be a counsellor, support worker or representative of a helpline service but cannot credibly verify their identity;
• attempts to move the conversation to another platform shortly after making contact;
• tries to establish an unusually close or emotionally intense relationship within a very short period of time;
• claims that "only they truly understand" the young person;
• encourages the child to keep the conversation secret from their parents or other trusted adults;
• asks for personal information or requests photographs or videos, especially of a sexual nature;
• proposes or pressures the child into meeting in person.

What distinguishes legitimate support services?

Legitimate support professionals and organisations:

• operate within transparent and accountable frameworks;
• have an identifiable organisational background, official contact details and verifiable information;
• do not randomly approach children via social media platforms;
• adhere to professional and ethical standards;
• never develop romantic or intimate relationships with those seeking support;
• do not pressure children into meeting in person;
• never ask children to keep conversations secret from parents or other trusted adults.

Advice for young people

• Be cautious if someone you do not know tries to build a close relationship with you very quickly, even within a matter of hours.
• If someone asks you to keep your conversations secret, treat it as a warning sign. Secrecy always benefits the offender.
• Never share personal information, photographs or videos with someone you do not know in real life.
• If a conversation feels uncomfortable, strange or distressing, remember that you can say NO. End the conversation and talk to a trusted adult.
• Ask for help even if you are unsure whether you are in a dangerous situation.

Advice for parents

• Regularly ask your child about their online experiences and relationships.
• Talk to them about the fact that anyone can pretend to be someone else online.
• Teach them to recognise the common signs of online manipulation and grooming.
• Foster a trusting and supportive environment where your child feels safe asking for help without fear of being judged.
• If you notice suspicious contact, save the messages and take screenshots, as these may later serve as evidence.

Offenders frequently exploit the appearance of empathy or emotional support to gain the trust of vulnerable children. Awareness, open communication and the early recognition of warning signs play a crucial role in protecting children from online abuse.

The Internet Hotline, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Blue Line Child Crisis Foundation encourage all parents, educators and young people to take these warning signs seriously and, where appropriate, seek help or report suspicious behaviour to the relevant authorities or organisations.

Recognising the warning signs in time can prevent a child from becoming the victim of online abuse.