Manne Forssberg: “The grooming generator opened my eyes to how children are exploited.”

As a parent and writer, Manne Forssberg is deeply committed to child safety. He was inspired by ChildX’s Grooming Generator, which showed how perpetrators manipulate children by giving them affirmation and attention. With two teenagers of his own, he knows how important it is to be aware of digital threats and has taken on the role of ambassador with a strong desire to help create a safer world for all children.

When did you first hear about ChildX and what sparked your interest in the organization?
My interest was piqued when I learned about the Grooming Generator. It was very hard to resist. What I reacted to was how groomers manipulate children by giving them what all human beings crave – affirmation, appreciation and a sense of being seen by someone – and exploit them in the most horrific ways.

How has your experience with children (e.g. through family, friends, work) influenced your commitment to children’s rights?
I have a twelve-year-old and a fifteen-year-old and I know it’s impossible to get an overview of their digital lives. Their phones are constantly pinging with notifications. That’s why these issues are always present in my life. I want to give my children freedom and care about their privacy. But I also want them to have a healthy suspicion and to always be able to come to me if they experience something unpleasant.

Working with vulnerable children can be mentally challenging. What are your top tips for re-energizing?
What works best for me is hard running intervals, saunas and cold baths.