An exploration of perceptions on online sexual grooming and solicitation in South Africa among the youth in Pretoria

Abstract

Several studies have shown that child sexual abuse cases worldwide, including in South Africa, are preceded by various sexual grooming tactics and solicitation. Sexual grooming behaviours are challenging to detect as they resemble normative interactions between adults and children, highlighting the need for further research. The study used a phenomenological qualitative research design to explore adolescents’ perceptions of and experiences with online child sexual grooming. Social exchange theory served as the theoretical lens for analysing the data. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants with experience in child sexual grooming and solicitation. Eight in-depth individual interviews were conducted and analysed thematically. Six themes were identified, these includes: understanding child sexual grooming, risks and vulnerability, grooming offender characteristics and grooming strategies, experience of being groomed and social support as a coping mechanism. These findings show that participants were unaware that they were being sexually groomed and fell into sexual grooming due to their risks and vulnerability. These vulnerabilities included talking and sharing personal information with strangers, minimal parental monitoring, peer pressure, social economic circumstances, and gender. As a result of these risks, vulnerabilities and grooming strategies, participants experienced sexual abuse, emotional distress, a distorted view of love and relationships, and kept their experiences a secret while also exhibiting personal agency. Consequently, they sought and received social support from family and friends to cope with the impact of their experiences. The study findings can guide professionals working with children, including teachers and parents, to help prevent child sexual grooming and solicitation. Moreover, these findings contribute to the existing literature on child sexual grooming in South Africa. The study recommends conducting additional research using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods to further investigate sexual grooming in South Africa.