A CRYPTIC TikTok dance challenge has prompted Thames Valley Police to share a stark warning over online grooming.

A seemingly ordinary dance challenge on the app was launched by various well-known influencers around the globe.

Now, it is revealed that this viral dance challenge was in fact staged to educate teenagers on the signs of online grooming.

Now, it is revealed that this viral dance challenge was in fact staged to educate teenagers on the signs of online grooming.

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The challenge kicks off a global prevention campaign, #CheckBeforeYouChat, by missing children’s foundation AMBER Alert Europe that brought together NGOs, law enforcement officers and influencers worldwide to fight the alarming increase in online grooming cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frank Hoen, Chairman and Founder of AMBER Alert Europe, said: "“Even though the signs were right in front of them, they still didn’t notice what was going on.

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"This is exactly what happens with online grooming. Often the signs remain unnoticed until it’s too late. We want to make sure children are aware of the fact that online not everything is what it seems and they should be wary of who they communicate with on social media, apps or games. Always #CheckBeforeYouChat.”

Detective Superintendent Rebecca Mears, Head of Protecting Vulnerable People at Thames Valley Police, said: “Online offending has no boundaries. It is too easy for grooming to happen in plain sight and even easier online.

"We all have a responsibility to be constantly aware, to put in place protective measures, both as adults caring for children and teenagers, but also to increase their own awareness so they can protect themselves as much as possible.”