How Do I Talk to My Kids About Online Predators?

Ask yourself, “does my nice, good kid know how to walk away from a sweet predator?” We must teach our kids how to identify strangers by what they talk like. Since predators look normal and friendly, we must teach our kids about CREEPY people. Here are some tips on how to talk to your child.

Inform & Empower Them:

Walking away from really “nice” strangers online can feel mean, a lot of kids don’t like to feel like they’re being mean. Encouraging them to spot things that seem off and to be safe is a positive & empowering approach.

  • Give your children permission to walk away. Encourage them to be smart: “Walking away from an uncomfortable conversation online isn’t mean. It’s smart. Be smart.”

  • Tell your children there’s no such thing as a good digital secret in your house. Encourage them that they can come to you and be honest about anything they see or hear.

  • If they offer to give you a gift or flatter you do not accept & come tell you.

  • Teach them that nobody can make them do, send, or say anything. If someone asks them to do something they aren’t sure of, they can say “no.”

  • If they suspect they might be talking to a creepy person PUT THE DEVICE DOWN. TELL SOMEONE. Two steps! It’s that simple.