Signs That Something Isn't Right
How to notice warning signs on the internet
Just as in real life we notice when something feels strange or uncomfortable, on the internet there are also signs that warn us something isn't right, such as when someone insists too much that you keep a secret, asks you not to tell your parents about a conversation, or makes you feel pressured to do something you don't want to do. Another important sign is when someone offers you gifts, virtual money or special prizes in exchange for photos, personal information or doing something that makes you uncomfortable, because people with good intentions don't need to ask for those kinds of things in return. Learning to notice these signs is like developing a little internal alarm detector, and trusting that "this doesn't feel right" feeling is always valid, so if you ever feel it, the best thing is to stop answering and tell a trusted adult immediately, without feeling afraid or embarrassed to do so.