By | June 2, 2025

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.