5 Tips to Keep Your Child Safe From Online Predators

Written By Evy Poumpouras

Created in collaboration with the
U.S. Secret service

As technology evolves, so do the ways predators target children online. When you know what to look for, you’re better able to spot danger before it turns to harm. Use these 5 protective tips to help keep children safe in today’s digital world.

 

1. Make it Safe to Speak Up

If a child thinks they’ll be punished for coming to you with their online mistakes, they are less likely to ask for help.

Predators know this and use it as a fear tactic to keep their victims quiet.

Make communication safer than silence. Stay open and approachable.

2. Look for Red Flag Behavior Changes

Sudden behavior changes can be a warning sign a child may be targeted by a predator. Pay attention to:

  • Unusual secrecy with devices

  • Anxiety after going online

  • Quickly deleting messages

  • Withdrawing from family

  • Receiving gifts, money, or special attention from someone they don’t know

3. Remind Kids: Online “Friends” Are Still Strangers

Someone who seems friendly online may not be who they claim to be. No matter how often they communicate, how nice they seem, or how much they know about you, an online contact is still a stranger.

Most importantly, make sure children understand never to meet up with any online “friends” without a trusted adult.

4. Turn Off Location Sharing

Disable location sharing and geotagging on social media posts and photos.

Also, background details in photos can reveal a lot. A single post can expose where a child lives, goes to school, or spends time. Parents, be mindful what you, family, friends, and even schools share about your children online.

5. Save and Report Evidence

If explicit content of your child has been shared online, do not panic and do not delete anything.

Save screenshots, usernames, links, and messages so you have a record of what happened and can report it properly.

 

How to Report

Report exploitation via the Cyber Tipline and submit to Take It Down to remove explicit images:

Protecting you and those you love,

Evy Poumpouras
Next

The Power of Nothing