Protect Kids from Grooming & AI Abuse

In this powerful episode of Smarter Online Safety, Jocelyn King talks with Roger Canaff — former New York City special victims prosecutor, survivor advocate, and legal thriller author — about how predators operate online, the rise of AI “nudify” tools, and concrete steps parents and caregivers can take to protect kids and support survivors. What you’ll hear in this episode: 1. Roger’s path into special-victims work and what motivates him. 2. How grooming typically happens online (gaming, Discord, Snapchat, etc.). 3. Top warning signs parents should watch for and how to start the conversation with kids. 4. The frightening reality of generative-AI “nudify” tools and their impact on young people and adults. 5. Practical advice for intervention, recovery-focused goals, and when to involve law enforcement. Key takeaways: 1. Prevention starts with openness: keep communication and boundaries clear from an early age. 2. Most online grooming begins as friendship — teach kids to spot secrecy, emotional manipulation, and “lover grooming.” 3. Generative-AI tools make exploitation faster and easier; anonymity and peer perpetrators complicate response. 4. Healing and survivor empowerment are as important (often more important) than conviction statistics. 👉 Watch the full episode on our channel and subscribe for weekly practical, non-technical online safety guidance. Connect with Roger Canaff: Website: https://www.rogercanaff.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-canaff-9b8689a Books: https://www.rogercanaff.com/books If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. To report child sexual exploitation or receive guidance, contact your country’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Support the show If this episode helped you, please: 👍 Like this video 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell for new episodes 💬 Comment below: what topic would you like us to cover next? 🔁 Share this episode with parents, educators, and caregivers #SmarterOnlineSafety #OnlineSafety #ChildProtection #CyberSafety #AIandSafety