I am a professional

The hub offers research, training tools, and best practices to help you understand the phenomenon of online grooming and how it can lead to a child going missing. This hub provides professionals with relevant research and information that can help them grasp all the mechanisms behind the grooming process, so to enable them to prevent, detect, and respond to grooming and cases of children going missing.

To find a more extensive list of tools and resources in your language, get in touch with the Safer Internet Center in your country.

I am a parent or carer

Grooming, also known as the solicitation or enticement of children for sexual purposes, is a process in which an individual, often an adult or someone in a position of power or trust, deliberately builds a relationship with a child. This can happen online, in person, or through a mix of both, with the intent to sexually exploit, abuse, or coerce the child. 

The sexual abuse that may result from grooming can occur virtually, face-to-face, or in both settings. 

Grooming can be both a cause and a consequence of a child going missing or becoming a victim of sexual exploitation and abuse. 

As a parent or carer, you can play a role in recognising the signs of grooming and help prevent the children around you from becoming victims. 

• If you need support, information, or guidance, you can contact the Safer Internet Centre in your country to learn more about identifying and responding to grooming. 

• You can also reach out to the 116000 hotline if you have questions, concerns, or suspect that a child may be at risk of grooming or sexual exploitation. 

I am a child or young person

If someone online makes you feel unsafe, or if you are thinking about leaving home or care, it’s important to get help quickly.  

• If you are in immediate danger, call 112 to reach the police or ambulance. 

• You can call 116000 for free anywhere in Europe if you or a friend has gone missing, or if you are thinking about running away. Someone who speaks your language will listen, support you, and help keep you safe.  

• If you have information about a missing friend or loved one, you can also call 116000 or tell your local police. 

• You can call 116111 if you want to talk about a problem or how you’re feeling, like if you’re sad, being bullied, hurt, or scared. They are there to listen and help you every day.  

Both numbers are free, confidential, and available across Europe. 

If you can’t get through to 116000, you can send an email to info@missingchildreneurope.eu for help.