“I was groomed by someone I met playing video games online: What I want parents and kids to know”

It’s incredibly powerful when individuals share their own stories about online experiences and offer advice to protect kids. Hearing from adults who faced these dangers as children can provide invaluable lessons.

Harrison Haynes, now 20, was groomed at 12 by an online stranger through a gaming platform. His story is a stark reminder that today’s threats often come from our kids’ devices.

Here are five essential tips to protect our children:

1. Keep Open Communication: Regularly discuss online safety, including difficult topics like sexuality, self-harm, and inappropriate content. Establishing a safe space for open dialogue can make a significant difference. 
2. Monitor Devices and Apps: Check your child’s devices frequently, including gaming consoles, smartphones, and computers. Familiarize yourself with the apps and games they use, and watch for signs of risky behavior, such as secretive conversations or sudden mood changes.
3. Set Boundaries for Online Interactions: Teach kids to communicate only with people they know in real life and establish clear rules for their online connections. Encourage them to speak up if something feels off or uncomfortable.
4. Emphasize Privacy: Help your children understand the importance of keeping personal information private. Teach them not to share sensitive details like their location, school, or other personal data online.
5. Use Parental Controls and Safety Features: Activate parental controls on devices and set communication limits to restrict contact with unknown individuals. Ensure safety settings are in place to detect and block inappropriate content.

Harrison’s experience serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance in our digital age. By taking proactive steps, we can help keep our children safe from online dangers.

For more details, read Harrison’s full story.

Let’s work together to protect our kids online.

~Ryan