Online Grooming: Understanding the Danger of “764” for Parents and Practitioners

The troubling online extremist network known as “764” that has previously inspired school shootings in the US, self-harm blackmail plots against children and terrorist acts has been gaining traction amongst online youth in the UK. Unaware of the threat this group poses to children and young people, parents must be provided with resources to detect and combat these influences over their children. 

Flagged initially by the FBI in 2023, this decentralised group has ties to neo-Nazi, satanic, and extremist content, and it explicitly targets vulnerable children aged 8–17. As recent as this past June, the FBI collaborated in a case with police in Germany regarding a 20-year-old man accused of over 120 offences, including murder and multiple cases of attempted murder. 

Why parents should be alerted:

• Coercion into extreme acts: 764 manipulates minors into self-harm, animal cruelty, or generating sexual content—often under blackmail or through threats.

• Gaming and chat platforms are common spaces where young people are groomed: Platforms like Discord, Telegram, Roblox, and Minecraft are frequently exploited for recruitment and manipulation.

• Growing UK presence and domestic cases: Members have been arrested here in the UK for extremist-related offences, posing a rising threat locally. 

What Parents and Practitioners Should Know:

• Watch for behavioural and physical changes: These can include self-harm marks, depression, sudden mood shifts, isolation, or secretive online activity.

• Talk openly, but avoid judgment: Ask which apps or chat groups they’re part of. Encourage openness in a non-judgmental way, without triggering fear and punishment. 

• Build digital resilience: Teach safe sharing and privacy practices to foster a secure online environment. Monitor online spaces and encourage them to report any concerns to you immediately if something feels wrong.

• Seek support when in doubt: If you suspect harmful grooming or coercion, reach out to professionals or trusted services immediately, for example, CEOP, the police, or a youth mental health organisation.

How to Approach the Topic with Young People:

1. Be calm and curious: Ask what apps or groups they’re in. Listen more than lecture.
2. Use language they relate to: Instead of saying “terrorist,” say “online groups that pressure people into dangerous things.”
3. Focus on safety, not blame: Explain it’s not about something they did wrong, but about something they were exposed to and can be protected from.
4. Encourage them to walk away: If they ever feel unsafe, encourage them to log out, block contacts, and speak to a trusted adult.

Why it matters:

The rise of 764 reminds us how mainstream disturbing content has become. Protecting young minds involves awareness, open dialogue, and building resilience, not just in young people but in our entire support networks.

If this has raised concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support families and those working with young people; help is just a conversation away.

Lasting Support Services

If you’re concerned about this issue or want to build safer online environments, contact info@lastingsupportservices.com and check out our website to explore our safeguarding training and workshops.