Tips To Stay Safe

5 Red Flags of Online Predators

1. Targeting Children. Predators initiate contact on social media, online games, or chat platforms, often engaging for long periods to build familiarity.

2. Gaining Trust. They may lie about their age and ask personal questions to isolate children from their trusted adults.

3. Offering Gifts. Predators may use in-game rewards, gift cards, or money to gain a child’s attention and trust.

4. Sexualizing Interactions. Conversations may turn explicitly sexual, with predators asking graphic questions or explicit content.

5. Maintaining Control. Predators use manipulation and emotional pressure to keep the child compliant and isolated.

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5 Tips for Parents/Guardians

1. Educate About Online Predators. Teach children to recognize risks, avoid sharing personal information, and report inappropriate interactions.

2. Encourage Open Communication. Promote trust by discussing your child’s online activities and concerns without judgment.

3. Set Profiles to Private. Ensure social media and gaming profiles are private and connections are limited to trusted individuals.

4. Monitor Online Activities. Regularly check devices, messages, and accepted items like gift cards or tokens.

5. Use Parental Controls. Restrict app usage, block inappropriate sites, and ensure age-appropriate content is accessible.
   
   Source: RAINN