Grooming is a term used to describe how people who want to sexually harm children and young people get close to them, and their families, and gain their trust. They do this in all kinds of places such as in the home or  neighbourhood, the child's school, youth and sports club, the local church and the workplace.

Grooming may also occur online by people forming relationships with children and pretending to be their friend. They do this by finding out personal information about that child such as their likes and dislikes and their family circumstances. For example, if a child is lonely, a potential abuser will give the child attention and develop a 'special relationship' which could make it easier to manipulate the child.

The offending adult will also try to find out if the child would tell a protective adult about what is going on. They will seek to find out as much as they can about the child's family and social networks and, if they think it is 'safe enough', will then try to isolate the child. They may use flattery and promises of gifts, or threats and intimidation in order to achieve some control.

It is easy for 'groomers' to find children online. They generally use chatrooms which are focussed around young people's interests. They often pretend to be younger and may even change their gender. Many give a false physical description of themselves with some sending pictures of other people, pretending that it is them. Groomers may also seek out children by looking through personal websites such as social media sites.