EMERGENCY NOTICE: IF A CHILD IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY.

PROTECTING THE
VULNERABLE ONLINE 2026

Threat-specific prevention steps for parents, guardians, and kids — based on current intelligence.

PREVENTION BY THREAT

01

Against Grooming

  • Teach "Pause, Screenshot, Ask" before replying to anything unusual
  • No private chats with strangers — block and report immediately
  • Keep devices in common areas for younger children
  • Regular no-judgment conversations: "What's cool online lately?"
  • Watch for sudden secrecy, new "online friends," or requests to move to a different app
02

Against Sextortion

  • Never pay or send more — it almost always escalates, not stops
  • Save screenshots, then block the account immediately
  • Tell a trusted adult immediately — there is no shame in being targeted
  • Use private profiles; never share intimate content with anyone online
  • Report to Cybertip.ca (Canada) or NCMEC CyberTipline (US) right away
03

Against AI Deepfakes

  • Private accounts and location services OFF on all platforms
  • Teach kids that any photo could be manipulated — discretion matters
  • Report deepfakes to the platform directly (most now have removal tools)
  • Use NCMEC Take It Down to remove non-consensual imagery of minors
  • Document everything before reporting — screenshots, URLs, usernames
04

Against Harmful Content & Coercion

  • Enable restricted/SafeSearch modes on every app and browser
  • Set screen-time limits and require app approvals before installing anything new
  • Create a family media plan together — rules feel less arbitrary when co-authored
  • Monitor for sudden mood changes, withdrawal, or extreme secrecy
  • Open talks about what they encounter — no punishment for honesty
05

Against Scams & Location Risks

  • Never click links or enter contests from unknown accounts or in-game messages
  • Turn off live location sharing on Snapchat, Instagram, and all apps
  • Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication everywhere
  • Explain that no legitimate giveaway requires personal information or payment

General Prevention — Works Across All Threats

Talk Daily

Open conversations with no punishment for honesty are the single most effective prevention tool. Ask about their online world regularly.

Use Built-In Controls First

  • Apple Screen Time
  • Google Family Link
  • Add Bark or Qustodio for alerts
  • SafeSearch ON everywhere

The "Pause, Screenshot, Ask" Rule

Teach kids to pause when something feels off, screenshot it, and ask a trusted adult before responding or deleting anything.

Reporting Chain