Research and development in criminal law and criminology

Research and development in criminal law and criminology

Victim-Centered Prevention of Sexual Grooming of Children and Adolescents in Cyberspace

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
mahmoud mahdavi 1
alireza ghaderi 2
1 Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran
2 tehran university
10.22034/jclc.2025.2073360.1260
Abstract
In tandem with the increasing and ever-expanding development of the cyberspace and the pervasive growth of social networks into various layers of individual and social life, this realm has inevitably become a fertile ground for the emergence and spread of novel and complex crimes. Among users, children and adolescents, due to their specific developmental characteristics, psychological traits, and lower level of experience, are more vulnerable to these cyber threats compared to adults. A prominent and concerning example of these dangers is the sinister phenomenon of "cyber grooming," a process in which an adult, by employing deceptive methods, false promises, and advanced techniques of psychological manipulation, gradually gains the trust of a child or adolescent to establish an illicit and exploitative relationship.

This applied research, adopting an analytical-descriptive approach and through extensive study and analysis of authoritative library resources and scientific articles, seeks to elucidate and present preventive strategies at both macro and micro levels. The findings of the research clearly demonstrate that at the first level (Governance and Institutional Strategies), effective and strategic solutions include the following: The continuous formulation and revision of deterrent and transparent laws, the structural and budgetary strengthening of regulatory bodies, the development and design of secure, native platforms with high standards specifically for children, the implementation of structured and engaging educational programs in schools and through national media, and the quantitative and qualitative expansion of specialized cyber police patrols utilizing expert personnel.

At the second level (Family-Centered Strategies), vital practical interventions and actions such as the following were identified and introduced: Active and intelligent management of children's access to the digital space, securing user accounts with precise privacy settings, the use of control and monitoring software while maintaining trust, and most importantly, the continuous implementation of educational programs and sincere dialogues about the dangers of the digital space within the secure family environment.

In final conclusion, it can be stated that an effective and sustainable confrontation with this destructive phenomenon necessitates national resolve and comprehensive cooperation between governance institutions, families, and civil society. The simultaneous and coordinated implementation of legal, technical, and cultural solutions within the framework of a comprehensive support system is the only viable strategy for the effective safeguarding of children and ensuring their psychological well-being and security in the seemingly boundless cyberspace.
Keywords
Sexual Grooming
Cyberspace
Victimization
Children and Adolescents
Prevention

Subjects

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Research and development in criminal law and criminology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 November 2025