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By Tanner Smith
RCMP

Alberta RCMP share tips on youth grooming prevention

Sep 23, 2026 | 3:20 PM

Throughout September Alberta RCMP is educating the public on online youth safety.

As part of this initiative, RCMP shared tips on grooming, which occurs when an individual builds trust with a young person to manipulate, exploit, coerce, or abuse them, either “online, in person, or both.”

Mounties add that grooming “may be for a sexual purpose, to facilitate criminal activity, financial exploitation, luring, or other forms of control,” with offenders often using “flattery, attention, gifts, or emotional manipulation to gain a young person’s trust.”

To avoid grooming, RCMP suggest not sharing personal information online, blocking anyone making you uncomfortable and telling a trusted adult.

However, parents and caregivers “play a vital role in helping young people stay safe online,” and avoid being groomed, according to St. Paul RCMP constable Dustin Frick.

“Offenders often rely on secrecy and manipulation to target youth. Parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults can help by talking openly about online risks, recognizing warning signs, and creating an environment where young people feel safe asking for help.”

RCMP provided a list of tips for parents and guardians:

  • Monitor online activities;
  • Promote online safety practices;
  • Maintain open communication about the dangers that exist online;
  • Become familiar with the apps and platforms your children are using;
  • Foster an open dialogue and empower your child to approach you in the event they or someone they know are being targeted or victimized;
  • Never judge; approach situations calmly, with support and understanding;
  • Be aware of signs indicating your child is possibly being exploited online, including emotional changes, social withdrawal, unexplained gifts, increased secrecy, as well as concerning relationships; and
  • Use community resources if you suspect something is going on with your child, whether that be through school, family physicians, community groups, or your local police.

RCMP adds that “by understanding these risks and practicing safe online habits, fewer young people will become victims.”

If you believe a young person is being groomed online, Mounties ask that you report it to your local police immediately.

A list of resources was also provided for anyone in need of help or searching for more information regarding grooming:

by Tanner Smith