Know the Warning Signs. Protect the Vulnerable.
Predators often appear trustworthy, friendly, even helpful. They hide in plain sight, manipulating and grooming their victims over time. Whether online or in person, knowing the warning signs of a predator is crucial to preventing abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.
This page will help you identify predator behaviors, understand grooming tactics, and know what to do if something feels off.
Additional Resources For More Information
S1 E4: “Partnering With Sheriff Chris Swanson“
S2 E2: “Defending Childhood: Ensuring The Safety Of Children” | Callahan Walsh
S2 E6: “Rights4Girls: Dignity, Rights And Safety“ | Yasman Yafa
Who Are Predators?
Predators can be:
Strangers OR people the child already knows (family members, coaches, teachers, clergy, employers, etc.)
Male or female
Young or old
Found online or in real life
They often blend into their surroundings and gain trust before making their move. That’s what makes them dangerous.
Common Predator Behaviors
Watch for these red flags in adults, older teens, or even peers who:
1. Seek One-on-One Time With Children
Frequently isolate a child from others (e.g., private lessons, “special time”)
Offer to babysit or take children on outings alone
Ignore or dismiss adult supervision
2. Give Excessive Gifts or Attention
Buy or give children expensive or personal items
Create a secretive “special” bond with the child
Use flattery and favoritism to manipulate
3. Violate Boundaries
Touches the child in ways that seem “too familiar” or unnecessary
Invades personal space or encourages physical contact
Ignores when a child says “stop” or appears uncomfortable
4. Test Reactions With Inappropriate Behavior
Tells sexual jokes or shares explicit content around children
Tries to normalize sexual talk or body-related questions
Engages in “accidental” nudity or voyeurism
5. Seeks Secrecy
Asks the child to keep secrets from parents or teachers
Creates private communication channels (DMs, texts, separate social media accounts)
Warns the child not to “tell or you’ll get in trouble”
6. Uses Manipulation, Guilt, or Threats
Claims to love or care about the child more than anyone else
Threatens harm to the child, their family, or pets if they tell or if they don’t do what they want
Uses coercion, manipulation or threats
Gets compliance through threat of force or neglect
Online Predator Tactics
Online grooming is one of the fastest-growing dangers for children. Be cautious of individuals who:
Send friend requests to kids they don’t know personally
Pretend to be someone younger (catfishing)
Quickly turn conversations sexual
Ask for photos or videos (especially nude images)
Encourage children to hide their chats or erase messages
⚠️ Predators often use gaming platforms, social media, and messaging apps to make contact.
Signs a Child May Be Targeted or Groomed
Watch for behavior changes that could indicate grooming or exploitation:
Becoming secretive or defensive about their phone or social media
Spending more time online, especially late at night
Having unexplained money, gifts, or new clothing
Withdrawing from family and friends
Acting anxious, depressed, or fearful
Suddenly using sexualized language or behavior
What To Do If You Suspect Predator Behavior
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.
Document what you observe: dates, times, interactions.
Talk to the child calmly and without judgment.
Report the behavior to local authorities, the child’s school, or the proper channels.
You can also contact:
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Call 1-888-373-7888
Text “BEFREE” (233733)
*All calls are confidential and can be anonymous.
Prevention Starts With Awareness
Predators count on silence and ignorance. By staying alert and informed, you can protect children from falling into the hands of someone who wishes to harm them.
🛡️ You are their first line of defense.
Together, we can break the cycle of silence, expose predator behaviors, and help create a truly Slavery Free World.