How To Avoid Online Predators
Avoiding online predators is super important for staying safe on the internet. Here are practical tips to protect yourself or your loved ones:
How to Avoid Online Predators
1. Keep Personal Info Private
- Never share your full name, address, phone number, school, or other identifying details online.
- Be cautious about posting photos that reveal location or routine.
2. Use Privacy Settings
- Adjust social media and app privacy settings to restrict who can see your posts or contact you.
- Only accept friend/follow requests from people you know personally.
3. Be Skeptical of Strangers
- Don’t trust people who start talking to you out of the blue.
- Avoid private chats or meetings with someone you’ve only met online.
4. Don’t Share Passwords
- Keep passwords secret—even from friends.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
5. Learn the Signs of Grooming
- Predators may try to gain trust by giving compliments, gifts, or secrets.
- Be cautious if someone pressures you to keep conversations secret.
6. Report Suspicious Behavior
- Block and report anyone who makes you uncomfortable or asks for inappropriate things.
- Most platforms have easy ways to report abuse.
7. Talk Openly
- Keep communication open with parents, guardians, or trusted adults about your online activity.
- If something feels wrong, talk about it immediately.
8. Use Parental Controls
- Parents can use monitoring software and parental controls to limit access and monitor kids’ online interactions.