Created by: WellHubApp

Warning Signs of

Online Predators

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following warning signs, it may be time to seek help.

Attention:

10 Warning Signs

of Online Predators

Signs to look for:

  • Closing apps or windows quickly when you approach.
  • Using devices late at night or in privacy.
  • Refusing to discuss their online friends or activities.

1. Secrecy About Online Activities

Signs to look for:

  • Receiving unexpected gifts, money, or items without a clear explanation.
  • Secrecy about how they obtained these items.

2. Unexplained Gifts or Money

10 Warning Signs

of Online Predators

Signs to look for:

  • Becoming withdrawn, moody, or overly emotional.
  • Displaying anxiety, depression, or sudden mood swings.

3. Sudden Changes in Behavior

10 Warning Signs

of Online Predators

Signs to look for:

  • Spending more time alone, especially on devices.
    Avoiding social interactions they once enjoyed.
    Defensiveness when asked about their online activities.

4. Isolation from Family & Friends

10 Warning Signs

of Online Predators

Signs to look for:

  • Talking about or sharing sexually explicit content.
  • Using language or references that are inappropriate for their age.

5. Exposure to Inappropriate

Content

10 Warning Signs

of Online Predators

Signs to look for:

  • Installing VPNs or encrypted messaging apps without a clear reason.
  • Creating multiple social media accounts or using fake profiles.

6. Interest in Privacy Tools

10 Warning Signs

of Online Predators

Signs to look for:

  • Talking about new online friends who seem much older or mysterious.
  • Referring to someone they met online by username or nickname only.

7. Communication with Unknown

Individuals

10 Warning Signs

of Online Predators

Signs to look for:

  • Talking about plans to meet someone they met online.
  • Being secretive or lying about their whereabouts or plans.

8. Requests to Meet in Person

10 Warning Signs

of Online Predators

Signs to look for:

  • Increased screen time, especially late at night.
  • Using devices in private, locked rooms.
  • Anxiety when separated from their device.

9. Changes in Device Usage

10 Warning Signs

of Online Predators

Signs to look for:

  • Repeating phrases or terms they likely learned online.
  • Using language that mimics someone much older or of a different background.

10. Strange or Out-of-Character

Language

10 Warning Signs

of Online Predators

Options

Where to Go For More Help?

What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Is in Contact with an Online Predator?

  • Talk Openly: Approach your child with concern and understanding. Encourage them to share without fear of punishment.
  • Monitor: Use parental control software to monitor their online activity.
  • Report: If you have evidence, report the predator to the platform and authorities.
  • Seek Support: Contact organizations like NCMEC or RAINN for guidance.
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Options

Our Kids Center

https://ourkidscenter.com/learn/

online-predators/

Bark.us

https://www.bark.us/blog/protect-

child-online-predators/

National Center for Health Research

https://www.center4research.org/

online-predators-know-can/

Child Rescue Coalition

https://childrescuecoalition.org/educ

ations/what-to-do-when-a-child-

predator-contacts-your-child/

Enough Is Enough

https://www.enough.org/stats_intern

et_safety

Internet Safety 101

https://internetsafety101.org/predato

rwarningsigns

Sources and Resources