Abu Dhabi: Nine-year-old Saira (name changed to protect identity) met a 12-year old boy online at a chat room. After becoming "friends" with this boy, parents started noticing changes in Saira which made them monitor her closely.

To their shock her parents found out that their daughter was being exposed to nude images and videos over the webcam.

Although the parents were able to put an immediate stop to the "friendship", the girl was already emotionally attached to the culprit. More issues followed as the girl developed anxiety and fear.

Saira was finally taken to Dr Padmaraju Varrey, head of the psychiatry department at the New Medical Centre, for treatment.

Dr Varrey said that such cases are isolated in the UAE and are significantly lower than in other countries.

The abrupt changes in her life traumatised Saira, but she got better with help.

Mental make-up

Speaking of the mental make-up of paedophiles, Dr Varrey said that they are usually male and aged over 30 years. "They are mostly single and have few friends of their age. If married, they may still not be in a physical relation with their partner."

These are people who are not able to maintain a normal relationship with members of the opposite sex of their age.

"Paedophiles are usually found to be overtly friendly, affectionate and emotional," he said.

They will pose as if they were the same age as their victim and then gradually gather information about their likes and dislikes. "They mould themselves based on the likes of their victim."

Initially no advances would be made, until familiarity grows strong.

Paedophiles often target children of a specific age. But this varies from case to case, some prefer younger children, some older. "Generally those targeted are between 5 and 15 years old."

Children are immature and often find it difficult to say no, that is why constant parental monitoring and guidance are essential, Dr Varrey added.

How to know if a child is at risk

If you have any concerns about your child's activities on the internet, or if you find any record of inappropriate images or conversations, talk to them about your concerns as you would about any other concerns.

Signs of grooming

- Becoming secretive

-  Downloading files onto discs

- Using encryption software

Indicators: Changes in a child

- Self-esteem and self-confidence plummets

- Withdraws from the family and isolate themselves

- Difficulties at school

- An increased level of anxiety

- Sleeping difficulties

- Concentration difficulties

- Excessive concern with cleanliness

— Source: VGT