The Grooming Progression
Our AI has identified consistent patterns across flagged gaming interactions. Predators typically follow a progression: building trust through compliments and shared interests → isolating the child from teammates → suggesting private communication → requesting personal information.
Warning Signs
- An older voice repeatedly targeting a younger-sounding player
- Flattery that escalates quickly ('you're so mature for your age')
- Requests to switch to private messaging (Discord DM, WhatsApp, Snapchat)
- Asks about school, home situation, or whether parents are monitoring
- Offering in-game items or currency in exchange for personal information
How AI Helps
WhānauGuard's AI monitors voice interaction patterns in real time. When it detects the grooming progression pattern, it immediately flags the interaction with severity, context, and recommended action — giving you time to intervene before harm occurs.