You Never Know Who Is Watching

There are person(s) who will use the internet, social media and chat forums to target children and young persons, for the purpose of exploiting them. One of their tactics is to reach out to you via social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagam, Snapchat etc.,) to try to become your ‘friend’.

It often starts with you receiving a ‘friend’ request, from a person ‘unknown’ to you. You’ll be tempted to accept the ‘friend’ request because the person seems to have a lot in common with you. He or she may be around your age, have a nice looking profile picture, listen to the same music as you, enjoy the same sports and you’ll probably think, why not accept the ‘friend’ request.

Be aware, that such persons will typically create a fake persona with fake profile picture to match whoever they are targeting; their aim is to increase the chances of you accepting their ‘friend’ request.

Be aware, that such persons will typically create a fake persona with fake profile picture to match whoever they are targeting; their aim is to increase the chances of you accepting their ‘friend’ request.

From here on in, they will work to strengthen their friendship with you, so that they are in your most trusted circle. Typically, such person(s) will be very friendly at first, but then you might find that they start to become more and more demanding of your time and in their requests. They may ask you to share revealing photographs of yourself or pressure you to turn on your webcam. They may even use your webcam to ‘secretly’ watch you, take snap pictures or videos of you, without you realising at the time.

What Are The Signs To Look Out For?

Pressured by an online friend, who is constantly sending you messages, or asking you to share inappropriate photographs, or making you feel uncomfortable in any way.

What You Should Do?

You should be very cautious about accepting ‘friend’ requests from person(s) that you don’t know.

You should never share sensitive or personal information or sexual images of yourself, with anyone.

If you feel uncomfortable about an online friendship, trust your instinct, ‘unfriend’ the person.

You should talk to your parents or carers.

Report to MASH@DCFS.gov.ky or call 945-0545 or KIDSLINE on 649-5437 or the RCIPS, call 911. All communication will be kept confidential and you will be offered support.

Alternatively, you can speak to your school counsellor or a trusted adult.