Online grooming is the process by which an adult builds a relationship of trust with a child through the internet in order to sexually exploit or abuse them. It is a serious crime in India, and because grooming works slowly and secretly, awareness and early action by parents and guardians are the strongest protection a child can have.
How grooming happens
- Contact. The predator approaches the child through games, social media or chat apps, often posing as a peer.
- Trust-building. They shower the child with attention, gifts, compliments or a sympathetic ear.
- Isolation. They encourage secrecy — “this is just between us” — and drive a wedge between the child and their parents.
- Escalation. The conversation is steered toward sexual content, images or a meeting.
Warning signs for parents
- Secretive online behaviour, hiding the screen, or a new device or account you did not know about.
- Spending long hours with a new “online friend”, especially an older one.
- Receiving gifts, money or top-ups from an unknown source.
- Sudden withdrawal, anxiety or mood changes, or reluctance to talk about who they chat with.
The law that protects children
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 — covers sexual offences against children, including online sexual harassment and using a child for pornographic purposes.
- Section 67B of the IT Act — child sexual abuse material, including browsing, creating or facilitating it.
- Relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 for related offences.
Importantly, reporting known or suspected child sexual abuse material is a legal obligation, not merely an option, and the law protects the child’s identity throughout.
What parents must do
- Stay calm and supportive. Reassure the child that they are not in trouble — self-blame keeps children silent.
- Preserve evidence. Do not delete chats, profiles or images; take dated screenshots and note usernames and links.
- Report immediately. File at cybercrime.gov.in (which has a dedicated “Report CP/Child Abuse” channel) and approach the police; POCSO matters are handled with confidentiality.
- Cut contact safely. Block the predator after evidence is saved, and secure the child’s accounts and devices.
- Get guidance. A lawyer can help ensure the complaint is correctly framed under POCSO and the IT Act and that the child’s rights and privacy are protected at every stage.
Frequently asked questions
My child sent images “voluntarily”. Are they in trouble?
No. The law treats the child as a victim. Responsibility lies with the adult who groomed and exploited them.
Should I confront the groomer myself?
No. Confrontation can destroy evidence and tip off the offender. Preserve everything and let the police and your lawyer act.
How Advocate Sudhir Rao can help
If you have been targeted — or wrongly accused — in a matter like this, the first 48 hours usually decide how quickly it is resolved. As an Advocate practising before the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi High Court and the District Courts across Delhi NCR, I help clients respond to cyber cells, secure the release of frozen accounts, and defend against or pursue complaints under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.
Consultations are confidential and privileged. For urgent matters, call +91 97295 06771 or book a consultation.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an advocate–client relationship. Statutory section numbers can change with amendments; your specific facts should be checked with counsel before you act.
Facing a similar matter? Speak to a criminal lawyer in Delhi — Advocate Sudhir Rao appears in bail, trial and appellate matters before the Delhi District Courts, the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India.