For Parents — IntelGuard

Talk early, and keep it judgment-free

Kids are far more likely to tell you about something uncomfortable online if past conversations haven't ended in punishment or shame. Make it clear, in advance, that they won't be in trouble for telling you.

Know the platforms they use

You don't need to be an expert in every app, but you should know what your child is on, whether it has direct messaging, and whether strangers can contact them by default.

Use the privacy tools already built in

Most major platforms have parental controls, private-account defaults, and message-request filters. Turning these on is one of the highest-value, lowest-effort steps available.

Watch for patterns, not just moments

A single odd interaction is rarely the whole story. Watch for a pattern: a new online contact your child is secretive about, gifts or money from someone they've never met in person, or a sudden change in device habits — hiding the screen, new accounts, more time spent alone online.

If you suspect something

1Stay calm. Reacting with panic or anger can make a child less likely to keep talking to you.
2Don't confront the other party yourself, and don't have your child do it either — it can escalate risk and destroy evidence.
3Preserve what you can — usernames, screen names, platform, and dates — without engaging the account directly.
4Report it. Email tipline@intelguard.org or go directly to the NCMEC CyberTipline below.

Resources

NCMEC CyberTiplinereport.cybertip.org

NCMEC Take It Downtakeitdown.ncmec.org