GroomingIs “A/S/L” something to worry about? More Grooming terms
A/S/L
Risk flagShorthand for Age/Sex/Location, a groomer's opening question to establish whether a target is a minor and their proximity.
How kids use it
Older grooming tactic but still actively used in Discord, Roblox, and anonymous chat apps by predators.
Yes — take "A/S/L" seriously. Terms in this category show up in contact between kids and people trying to exploit them. Seeing it in your kid's messages doesn't prove the worst, but it warrants a calm look at who they're talking to.
- Don’t confront in anger — ask who they’re talking to online, and look together.
- If an unknown adult is involved: screenshot everything, block, and report it to the platform — and to the NCMEC CyberTipline (CyberTipline.org) if anything sexual was requested or sent.
- Run a 30-second check on the apps involved Is it safe? checker →