San Juan launches integrated program to combat grooming and cybercrime

The province of San Juan announced a comprehensive prevention program targeting grooming and other forms of cybercrime. The initiative, presented by the Ministry of Public Prosecutor and the Ministry of Education, includes training for students, teachers and families and aims to provide tools for early detection and prevention. Officials highlighted a sharp rise in grooming reports, with 69 complaints recorded so far in 2026 and projections of 158 cases by year‑end – an increase of more than 100% over the previous year.

In parallel, San Juan formalized a strategic partnership with the University Austral’s Observatory of Cybercrime and Digital Evidence (OCEDIC) and TikTok. The agreement establishes joint academic exchange, technical training for the judiciary, and the distribution of audiovisual and classroom materials to schools. Experts from OCEDIC will conduct workshops on grooming, cyber‑bullying and digital footprints, while the program also seeks to strengthen digital security and investigative capacities.

The combined effort reflects a coordinated response to a 150% rise in cyber‑related complaints, aiming to protect children and adolescents online and improve law‑enforcement capabilities in the region.