Red Flags — what to watch for (calm, not paranoid).
This is not about fear. It’s about patterns. If you see multiple red flags together, it’s time to step in, tighten settings, and report if needed.
• “Don’t tell your parents” or “keep this secret”.
• Asking your child to move chat off-platform (Snap/Discord/Telegram/WhatsApp).
• Gifts, codes, skins, money, “I’ll buy you…” (grooming tactic).
• Sexual talk, “jokes”, dares, requests for pictures/voice/video.
• Questions like “Are you home alone?”, “Where do you live?”, “What school?”.
• Private servers/private DMs/voice chat requests from unknown people.
• Suddenly hiding the screen / closing apps quickly.
• New secrecy, anxiety, anger when asked simple questions.
• Sleep issues, mood changes, withdrawal from family.
• New online “friend” they won’t explain.
1) Stay calm — don’t shame your child.
2) Save evidence (screenshots, usernames, server names).
3) Block and report inside the app/game.
4) Tighten settings immediately (device → platform → app).
5) If it’s serious: use the Reporting page for next steps.