My kid got catfished and I'm still angry

Nov 25·1 min read

This happened about 6 months ago and I'm still processing it honestly. 13yo thought she was talking to a kid from another school on Instagram. Turned out to be a 24yo guy. We caught it pretty fast because she actually told us (which I'm grateful for) but the fact that it happened at all... I've become that paranoid dad who checks her phone now. Probably too much but I can't help it. Anyone dealt with this?

6 comments254 views

Comments(6)

MMatt S.Regularjust now

The anger being STILL there is because she's your kid and some 24yo was hunting her. That's not going away. But the immediate threat is gone and she knows you have her back.

JJoel F.Regularjust now

Six months later and the anger makes sense. That's violation-adjacent even though it went ok. The fact that she told you is HUGE though - means she trusts you.

RRick J.New Dadjust now

Have you thought about what you want to do differently now? Like are you checking in more on who she's talking to? Not trying to be invasive but this changes the monitoring game.

DDerek P.Regularjust now

Honestly this is the nightmare scenario that almost worked out ok because she trusted you enough to tell you. Have you ever actually thanked her for telling you? Not in a weird way but kids need to know that honesty gets rewarded.

PPaul W.Regularjust now

This is legitimately scary and I'd still be angry too. But the fact she disclosed it to you means your foundation is solid. A lot of kids hide it.

KKurt D.Regularjust now

Did you do anything with the account/report it? Or just talk through it with her?