Tell a Grown-up

Lesson script (for the kid, with a grown-up nearby)

This is the most important lesson in this whole course. So I want you to listen really carefully. Ready?

You will never, ever get in trouble for telling a grown-up about something that happened online. Even if you broke a rule. Even if you went somewhere you weren't supposed to. Even if you talked to someone you shouldn't have. The grown-ups in your life would so, so much rather you tell them than try to handle it on your own.

Say it back: “I won't get in trouble for telling.” Good.

When to tell a grown-up

Here are the four big times to tell:

One. When somebody online says something that makes you feel weird. Maybe you can't even say why it makes you feel weird. That's the feeling we're listening for. If something feels off, tell a grown-up. The feeling is the clue.

Two. When somebody online asks you for a picture, your address, your phone number, your age, or to meet up in real life. Anyone who asks for any of those things — tell a grown-up. They don't even have to be a stranger. Even if it's a friend. Tell a grown-up.

Three. When somebody online sends you a picture that you didn't want, or that you don't understand, or that makes you uncomfortable. Don't try to deal with it on your own. Don't try to forget about it. Tell a grown-up. Right then.

Four. When somebody online tells you to keep a secret from your parents. We talked about this in Lesson 2. Anyone who asks you to keep them a secret from your family is showing you exactly what to do — tell a grown-up about that person.

Which grown-up?

A grown-up you trust. That's usually your mom or dad. It can be a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle, a teacher, or a school counselor. If your first grown-up isn't available, the next one on your list is a good choice. The point is: tell someone. Don't try to handle it alone.

How to tell

You don't have to make it a big deal. You can just say, “Hey, something weird happened on my game today.” Or, “Someone messaged me and I don't know what to do.” Or, “Can I show you something on my tablet?” That's all it takes. Your grown-up will take it from there.

You don't need to have the right words. You don't need to remember everything that happened. You don't need to know what you want them to do. You just need to start the conversation.

If you already kept something secret

Maybe before this lesson, something happened online and you didn't tell anyone. That's okay. You can tell now. Right now, tonight, tomorrow — whenever. It is never too late to tell. You will not get in trouble. You will get help.

That's the rule. Always.

Recap

Tell a grown-up when something feels weird, when someone asks for personal stuff, when someone sends a picture that feels wrong, or when someone asks you to keep a secret. You will never get in trouble for telling.