STAY SAFE

SPOT SIGNS

Online Safety:

Recognizing the Signs

Online Safety Tips

Online safety helps protect children from online predators, grooming, and exploitation by promoting safe online behaviors and encouraging children to speak up when something feels wrong (UNICEF, 2025).

Youth Human Trafficking Scenario Animated Series

Simple online safety habits can help protect children from online risks.

  • Set clear rules: Talk about safe and respectful online behavior.

  • Protect personal information: Never share passwords or personal details.

  • Think before posting: Remember that what you post online can be permanent.

  • Stay involved: Explore apps, games, and websites together.

  • Be cautious: Only interact with people you know and trust.

  • Speak up: Tell a trusted adult if something online feels wrong.

Stay Safe Online

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Speak Up

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Protect Your Privacy

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Stay Safe Online · Speak Up · Protect Your Privacy ·

Would You Recognize the Signs?

  • Scenario 1: "You're So Mature"

    Situation:
    A 13-year-old meets someone on social media who constantly compliments them, saying they are "more mature than other kids." Over time, the person asks to move the conversation to a private app and begins asking for personal photos.

    ‍ ‍Warning Signs:

    -Excessive compliments or flattery

    -Moving conversations to private platforms

    -Requesting personal photos or information

  • Scenario 2: "Keep This Between Us"

    Situation:
    Someone a child met online says, "Don't tell your parents about our conversations; they won't understand." The person encourages the child to keep their friendship a secret and becomes upset if the child mentions telling an adult.

    Warning Signs:

    -Encouraging secrecy

    -Isolating the child from trusted adults

    -Creating an unhealthy emotional bond

  • Scenario 3: Gifts With Strings Attached

    Situation:
    A child receives gift cards, game credits, or other online rewards from someone they have never met. After gaining the child's trust, the person asks for photos, videos, or favors in return.

    Warning Signs:

    -Giving gifts or money

    -Expecting something in return

    -Asking for photos or other personal content

  • Scenario 4: Online Friendship Turns Into Pressure

    Situation:
    After weeks of chatting online, someone begins asking a child to send inappropriate photos. When the child refuses, the person threatens to end the friendship or share private messages unless the child complies.

    Warning Signs:

    -Pressure to send photos or videos

    -Manipulation, guilt, or threats

    -Attempts to control or exploit the child

Protective Factors

Protective factors help reduce a child's risk of abuse and exploitation by creating safe, stable, and supportive environments. Children are better protected when they have nurturing caregivers, open communication, consistent supervision, supportive relationships with trusted adults, and access to safe schools, healthcare, and community resources (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Risk and protective factors. CDC – Risk and Protective Factors