SEMINAR ARTICLE

On Wednesday, June 10th, 2026, Harapan Bangsa School held a seminar entitled “The Phenomenon of Cyber Grooming and Its Impact on Teenagers’ Safety in Digital Interactions.” The seminar featured Eunike Mutiara, Ph.D., Psychologist, as the guest speaker. She shared valuable insights on the definition of cyber grooming, the characteristics of perpetrators, the potential impacts on victims, and strategies for maintaining safety in digital interactions.

Cyber grooming refers to the process by which an individual builds a relationship and gains the trust of a child or teenager through digital media with the intention of exploiting, manipulating, or harming the victim. Perpetrators often use friendly approaches, excessive attention, and emotional manipulation to gain the trust of their targets.

The increasing use of the internet among teenagers makes understanding cyber grooming more important than ever. Many young people are unaware that seemingly ordinary online interactions can develop into dangerous situations. Therefore, education on digital safety should be provided from an early age so that teenagers can recognize warning signs and take appropriate steps to protect themselves.

Through this seminar, students were encouraged to increase their awareness of the importance of protecting their privacy, being cautious when communicating with strangers online, and seeking help when encountering suspicious situations. In addition, the seminar aimed to promote a culture of healthy, safe, and responsible technology use. With proper education and awareness, teenagers are expected to become wiser internet users and better equipped to protect themselves from the various risks that may arise in the digital world. Digital safety is not solely an individual responsibility; it also requires the support of families, schools, and communities to create a secure online environment for the younger generation.