Kentucky’s new anti-grooming law has led to the arrest of its first school employee only weeks after taking effect, according to Fox News. The case has renewed attention on the responsibility of schools and other adults to recognise and act on possible warning signs of grooming before abuse occurs.

Child advocate Laura Wills-Coppelman, founder of Institutional Complicity Kentucky (ICKY), said grooming can begin with behaviour that appears to be innocent or explainable, such as unusual attention towards a child. She urged adults not to dismiss concerns and highlighted the new law as a measure intended to strengthen protection for children.