Talking about online strangers with a 6 to 12 year old, without scaring them
Simple words, clear rules and a door that is always open: how to approach strangers on the internet according to your child’s age.
Children learn very early not to follow a stranger in the street. Online, the idea is blurrier: a smiling username or a friendly avatar does not look like a stranger. The aim is not to frighten, but to give simple landmarks.
Under 9: a short rule, repeated often
At this age, one sentence is enough: “Online, I only talk to people Mum or Dad have accepted.” Repeat it often, as you would for crossing the road, and choose apps that enforce this rule themselves.
From 10 to 12: explain why
Pre-teens want to understand. Explain that anyone can lie about their age or identity behind a screen, and that no good person asks a child to keep a secret from their parents.
Three things you never share
- your address, or the name of your school or club;
- your phone number;
- photos of yourself or your home.
The warning signs
Teach your child to recognise what should make them come to you: someone who insists on chatting somewhere else, offers a gift, asks for a photo or says “don’t tell your parents”.
The most important rule: they will never be punished for telling you
A child who fears losing their tablet will stay silent. Tell them clearly that they can tell you anything, even if they made a mistake, and that you will find the solution together.
This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence (Claude, by Anthropic), then checked against our editorial charter. It does not replace advice from a health or education professional.
