Online predator conversation gone wrong

Dec 28·1 min read

Tried to have 'the talk' about online safety with my 10yo and it did NOT go how I planned. I was trying to explain that sometimes people online aren't who they say they are and he immediately got defensive like I was accusing HIM of something? Then he said 'you don't trust me' which wasn't the point at all. How do you bring this up without making them feel paranoid or like you're accusing them? I want him to be safe but also not terrified of the internet.

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Comments(5)

RRon D.RegularDec 29

What happened? Did he shut down or get mad? The whole predator talk thing is awkward no matter how you approach it.

AAlexRegularDec 31

Sometimes you gotta let them ask the questions instead of you delivering a lecture. Kids tune out when it feels like a serious talk is happening.

KKevin P.RegularDec 30

Don't give up on it. One bad conversation doesn't ruin everything. You bring it up again in a few weeks in a more casual way.

PPaul K.New DadDec 31

The scary thing about the online predator talk is that kids think it can't happen to them. They're smart but also naive about how people operate online.

KKent R.RegularDec 29

Did he not believe people would actually try to talk to him or was he just uncomfortable with you bringing it up? That matters for how you approach round two.