Kids need to understand the dangers of online predators, who can create fake profiles to gain trust. Teaching online safety equips kids to:
- Recognize "ctricky people" online.
- Avoid sharing personal information.
- Report suspicious messages to trusted adults.
At this age, kids use the internet for games, videos, and family communication. Keep the conversation light but educational.
- Stranger Danger: "Remember when we talked about stranger danger in real life? Did you know online strangers are just as dangerous?"
- Understanding Predators: "How would you feel if an adult pretended to be a kid online? It's hard to tell, right?"
- Example Scenario: "If someone on Fortnite asks where you live, what should you do?"
- Simple Analogy: "Would you give house keys to a stranger? Sharing your address or phone number online is the same thing!"
Key Message: "It's never your fault if someone online sends a weird message - always tell me right away."
Older kids have more online independence (phones, social media, chats). Encourage critical thinking:
- Personal Experience: "Have you ever felt uncomfortable online? How did you handle it?"
- Predator Behavior: "Where do you think online predators hang out? (e.g., chat rooms, DMs, game chats)"
- Online Abuse: "Do you think bad stuff only happens in real life? Predators can send inappropriate messages or photos, and that's abuse too."
- No Blame: "It's not your fault if someone makes you uncomfortable online."
Teens are online pros but may underestimate risks. Ask mature questions to help them recognize clues:
- Spotting Adults Online: "What are some signs that someone pretending to be a kid is actually an adult?"
- Twists & Turns: "What if the stranger says they"9re a friend of a friend? Or shares all your favorite hobbies?"
- Group Chats: "Have you met everyone in your group chats? Could a stranger sneak in?"
- Grooming Awareness: Discuss online grooming tactics and read real-life examples together.
Key Message: "No matter what happens, I"9m not mad at you. Your safety comes first."
Equip your family with expert advice and tools to navigate digital citizenship.
Bark Blog Posts
- The Stages of Online Grooming
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Digital Citizenship
- What to Do If Your Kid Is Watching Porn
Expert Resources
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- Protect Young Eyes
- Child Rescue Coalition
Teaching kids to be smart digital citizens is an ongoing process. Keep conversations age-appropriate, encouraging open dialogue and trust. Together, you can help them stay safe, confident, and aware in the digital world.
When in doubt: Talk it out. Online safety starts with you!