"I survived grooming." (with Harrison Haynes)

Harrison Haynes was a 12-year-old, video game-loving middle school student who met a stranger on Xbox. The stranger became Harrison's "best friend," sharing intimate conversations and advice. Over the next 18 months, Harrison became the victim of "grooming," where predators establish an emotional connection with a minor under the age of consent, to lower the child's inhibitions with the objective of sexual or emotional abuse.

On today's episode, Harrison vulnerably shares his story in order to warn parents about grooming. Predators are using gaming platforms and social media to target children and they can be very difficult to spot. Harrison gives a ton of specific advice to parents about how to prepare our children for this threat and how to support a child who has experienced grooming. 

You can connect with Harrison on LinkedIn or reach him directly at harrison@wiredhuman.org.