Lily · 8th Grade · Boone, NC
The hardest part wasn't knowing something was wrong. I kind of knew. The hardest part was thinking: if I tell my mom, she'll take my phone. Or freak out. Or think I did something wrong. I almost didn't say anything. I'm really glad I did.
Your Gut Is
Real Information
When something feels wrong online — a message that makes you uncomfortable, a situation that seems off — that feeling is your brain pattern-matching against everything it knows about normal vs. not normal.
You don't need proof. You don't need to be certain. Discomfort alone is enough reason to tell someone you trust.
These are the lies that keep people silent. Tap each card to flip it and reveal the truth.
❌ The Myth
"They'll take my phone away if I tell them."
Tap to flip →
✅ The Truth
Most parents respond with support, not punishment — especially when you come to them. Even if your phone gets limited temporarily, that's far better than a bad situation getting worse.
❌ The Myth
"They'll think I did something wrong."
Tap to flip →
✅ The Truth
Grooming works by making you feel responsible. Adults who understand this know the kid who came forward was brave — not bad. This is not your fault.
❌ The Myth
"I'm probably overreacting."
Tap to flip →
✅ The Truth
Maybe. But the cost of saying something when you're wrong is a little embarrassment. The cost of staying silent when you're right is much, much higher. Say something.
❌ The Myth
"I don't want to get them in trouble."
Tap to flip →
✅ The Truth
If an adult is targeting a 13-year-old online, getting them "in trouble" is exactly the right outcome. Protecting yourself and others is not betrayal.
✅ All 4 myths busted! Now you know what's actually true when you need it most.
Check off each step as you read it. This is exactly what to say when you need to tell a trusted adult something feels wrong.
1
Pick your person
A parent, school counselor, coach, or other trusted adult — someone who's been calm and helpful before.
✓
Got it — I know who I'd go to
2
Start the conversation
"Can I show you something? Something online has been making me uncomfortable and I don't totally know how to explain it."
✓
I could say something like this
3
Show them (don't delete first)
Show the messages, profile, or post. Screenshots help. Don't delete anything before showing — evidence matters.
✓
I understand why not to delete it first
4
Hand it over
"I didn't know what to do. I just knew I needed to tell someone." Then let the adult take it from there. That's all you have to do.
✅ +20 XP! You just practiced the most important safety conversation you'll ever have.
You're getting uncomfortable messages online but you haven't responded. Should you tell a trusted adult?
A
No — you didn't do anything wrong so it's not a problem
B
Only if you're 100% sure something bad was happening
C
Yes — discomfort alone is enough reason, and not responding doesn't mean it will stop
D
Only tell someone if you've already sent something back
If You Need Help
Right Now
If you can't talk to someone you know, these resources exist for exactly this situation:
NCMEC CyberTipline
Report online enticement or harmful contact involving minors
CyberTipline.org · 1-800-843-5678
Crisis Text Line
Free, confidential support 24/7 — text from anywhere in the US
Text HOME to 741741
Your School Counselor
Trained for exactly these situations — available during school hours
Ask your homeroom teacher
FBI Tips
Report online predators directly to federal law enforcement
tips.fbi.gov
📖 Scenario
Alex has been getting messages from someone who says they're 15 and go to a nearby school. The messages started fun but lately have been asking for photos and for Alex to keep the conversation private. Alex hasn't responded to the last few messages. Alex is scared to tell anyone because they don't want to look stupid.
What should Alex do?
A
Block them and not tell anyone — problem solved
B
Wait until something worse happens — then they'll have proof
C
Screenshot the messages, tell a parent or school counselor — they didn't do anything wrong
D
Reply asking for proof of their school name first
Module 5 — Key Takeaways
- ✦ Discomfort is information — you don't need proof to say something
- ✦ The myths that keep people silent are almost always wrong
- ✦ "Can I show you something? Something feels off" is enough to start
- ✦ Don't delete anything before showing a trusted adult
- ✦ National resources exist if you can't talk to someone you know