Parent Guide
Dealing with Strangers
Recognize risks, practice situations
Online, not everyone is who they claim to be. Children need to learn to recognize warning signs and react correctly.
Who are "strangers" online?
Different forms of contact
Friend requests
People who reach out – in games, on social media, in chats.
Direct messages
Private messages from unknown accounts.
Fake profiles
Adults pretending to be peers.
Gaming contacts
Players in online games who want to become "friends".
Recognizing warning signs
These behaviors should trigger alarm bells:
Asks for personal info (address, school, phone number)
Wants to keep conversations "secret" ("Don't tell your parents")
Gives excessive compliments or gifts
Asks for photos or wants video chat
Pushes for a meeting in real life
Reacts offended or threatening when rejected
The 5 Basic Rules
No personal info
Name, address, school, phone number – never to strangers.
No photos to strangers
Not even "harmless" pictures – they can be misused.
No meetings without parents
Never meet online acquaintances alone. If at all: public place, parents present.
Block & Report
If something feels off: block immediately and tell parents.
Take screenshots
Before blocking: secure evidence (screenshots).
Practice situations
Play through these scenarios – so your child is prepared:
Trust instead of control
The goal is not to scare children – but to empower them to make good decisions themselves. Regular conversations about online experiences help more than secret surveillance.
Book a course?
In my courses, you learn how to set up secure settings – and how to explain age-appropriately to your child what to watch out for.
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Array 147 (Pro Juventute)