Tactics Predators Use to Reach Kids in Video Games

The gamer received a request from another gamer, which aligns with concerning online predatory behavior.

An online predator is someone who commits child sexual abuse that either begins or takes place on the internet. By engaging with children through games that use web cameras, or chat rooms, they generate and nurture relationships with children.  Once the predator has connected with the child, they manipulate the relationship to groom and coerce them to send them sexually explicit images or videos or to meet them in person for sexual purposes. Online predators will then blackmail the child demanding more explicit pictures or threatening to share them publicly.

Recommendations: 

Age 6-9

  • Teach the child to never send pictures to anyone, especially to people you don’t know . Remind them that only people they know in real life, like family, should see their photos.
  • Explain that it’s not okay to accept gifts or help in exchange for giving out personal information, like photos or phone numbers. 
  • It is never ok for someone to blackmail you or threaten you.
  • Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if someone in a game makes them feel uncomfortable. Let them know they you can help them to block that person and that it’s okay to report them to keep everyone safe.

 Age 10-12

  • Explain to older kids that sending photos to people they don’t know online can be unsafe.
  • Make it clear that it is never okay for anyone to blackmail or threaten them. Let them know that if someone tries to scare them, they should immediately tell a trusted adult.
  • Teach them to be cautious about using webcams, as these can be recorded without their knowledge. Remind them only to use webcams with people they know and trust.
  • Tell the gamer that if they feel uncomfortable or are speaking to someone that you don’t want to be speaking to, block them and report them immediately.

Age 13-18

  • Educate the gamer about sexual predators. Start by acknowledging that at this age, they are naturally curious about different topics, including relationships and intimacy. Explain that discussing these topics online with people they don’t know can be dangerous.
  • Talk about the unhealthy risks involved, such as being pressured into using drugs or sending intimate photos
  • Emphasize that if they ever feel pressured to keep a relationship secret or to do something that makes them uncomfortable, it’s a clear sign that they are in a risky relationship and should end it immediately.  They can report it and they don’t need to be afraid of any threat.
  • Remind them that it’s crucial to talk to a trusted adult if they ever feel uncertain or scared about a situation.

You can report predators here: https://www.nsopw.gov/SafetyAndEducation/HowToRespond#supportingVictims