Luring

The everyday use of the word ‘luring’ can be broad, but the Canadian offence has precise elements. The age category, the means of communication, the accused person’s purpose and the sexual offence being facilitated all matter. Public information should therefore describe suspected conduct without announcing that a crime has been proven.

What it can look like

• A person asks for or hints at sexual images, videos or livestreaming.
• Sexual conversation is introduced or explicit material is sent to reduce boundaries.
• A person misrepresents their identity, age, relationship or intentions.
• Communication moves from a public or moderated space to a private channel.
• The child is encouraged to meet, conceal the relationship or avoid protective adults.
• The person uses affection, gifts, pressure, threats or an existing image to obtain compliance.

Luring and grooming are related but different

Grooming describes a behavioural process that may unfold over time and may occur without technology. Luring is a legal category centred on telecommunication for the purpose of facilitating specified offences. A case may involve both, but neither term should be used as a substitute for the other.

Why early reporting matters

The communication itself can be important evidence. A child does not have to attend a meeting, send an image or experience a completed contact offence before adults take the situation seriously. Early reporting may help protect the child, preserve digital evidence and identify whether other children are at risk.

What to preserve

• Usernames, profile links, display names, telephone numbers and email addresses.
• The platform, game, website or service used and the dates and times of communication.
• Threatening or sexual messages and the surrounding conversation, where safe and lawful.
• Information about proposed meetings, gifts, payments, travel or requests to change platforms.

Do not ask the child to re-engage, bait the suspected person or recreate deleted messages without police guidance.

How to respond

Tell the child that seeking help was the right decision. Avoid criticism about apps, secrecy or messages; shame can reduce disclosure and cooperation. Contact local police or Cybertip.ca. If the circumstances also create reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection in Ontario, contact a children’s aid society directly.