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Digital Citizenship: Risky Online Relationships

Objectives

How can you tell when a relationship is risky?

Students will be able to ...

  • compare and contrast stereotypes and realities when it comes to Internet “stranger danger.”
  • learn guidelines for determining safe online relationships, especially with strangers or casual acquaintances.
  • brainstorm ways to help teens avoid risky online behavior.

Questions

What are some examples of positive interactions online?

What are some examples of uncomfortable interactions online?

What are some common stereotypes of online predators?

Why might it be tricky for people to recognize when they are being manipulated, especially online?

 

Facts to Consider

  1. Teens are more likely to receive requests to talk about sexual things online from other teens or from young adults (ages 18 to 25) than they are from older adults.
  2. The small percentage of adults that does seek out relationships with teens online are usually up-front about their age, and about their sexual interests.
  3. Teens who develop an ongoing online connection with someone they don’t know, or who are willing to talk about sexual things online, are more likely to find themselves in a risky online relationship.
  4. Risky online relationships don’t always involve total strangers; sometimes they involve people teens have initially met offline.

Sheyna's Situation

Thoughts

  • Change it up. If something feels like it might be getting risky, it probably is. But if you’re not sure, try changing the subject, making a joke, or saying you want to talk about something else. If you still feel pressured by or uncomfortable with the situation, you need to take further action.
  • Log off or quit. You need to remember that at any time you can just stop typing and log off if a conversation gets uncomfortable online. You can also take action to block or report another user, or create a new account – whether for email, IM, or a virtual world – to avoid contact with that person again.
  • Know that it’s okay to feel embarrassed or confused. It’s not always easy to make sense of situations that make you uncomfortable online. Nor is it easy to ask for help if you feel embarrassed about what you’ve experienced. These feelings are normal, and it’s okay to talk about them.
  • Talk to a friend or trusted adult. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Even if you feel you can handle a tricky situation alone, it’s always a good idea to turn to friends, parents, teachers, coaches, and counselors for support.