Slovenia raises prison term for online grooming of children to three years

Slovenia has increased the prison term for online grooming of children after authorities recorded a sharp rise in such crimes. Police figures show the number of registered grooming cases jumped from 70 in 2025 to 204 in 2026, prompting lawmakers to tighten the Criminal Code.

Parliament approves tougher sentence

On 24 September the Slovenian Parliament approved amendments to the Criminal Code with a vote of 81 in favor and none against. Under the new rules, the offence of online grooming can carry an effective prison sentence of up to three years, replacing the previous maximum of one year.

Lawmakers specifically expanded penalties not only for the completed crime of "sexual abuse of minors" but also for attempts to lure children online. Prosecutors and police say the change is intended to give the justice system clearer tools to intervene earlier in cases that begin in digital channels.

Parliamentary deputy and chair of the legal committee, Lena Grgurevič, said: "More and more abuses are happening online and it is our duty to adapt the legislation to the new reality and to provide children with additional protection from sexual predators. It is necessary that grooming also has legal consequences — once the abuse occurs, it is too late."

The provision covers initiating contact with a minor via online communication, building trust with the child and attempting to lure them for the purpose of sexual abuse. Slovenian institutions warn that online sexual exploitation of minors is an escalating risk that requires strengthened prevention and protection measures.

Authorities and child-safety groups also note the problem is not confined to Slovenia: as states tighten laws and enforcement, offenders invent ever more creative methods to target children on social networks and messaging platforms.

Photo: press material from the event