When to Tell a Grown-up

Some children worry they will lose screen time if they tell an adult. Good families and schools care more about your safety than about punishing you for seeing something odd.

Tattling tries to get someone in trouble for a small rule. Asking for help protects you when something feels dangerous, mean, or too confusing to fix alone.

Watch the step-flow. See how telling a grown-up turns a scary surprise into a plan.

Tell a grown-up if someone asks for private information, sends scary threats, shares an embarrassing photo, or will not leave you alone after you said stop.

Tell them if you clicked something you should not have. Honesty helps them protect your accounts faster. Hiding clicks can make problems bigger.

If one adult is busy, try another trusted person. At school that might be a teacher or pastoral lead. At home it might be a different carer.

Keep sentences simple: 'Someone online is being mean and will not stop.' or 'I clicked a strange link and I am worried.' You do not need a perfect speech.

Bring the device if it is safe to do so. Point to the message or profile. Adults solve faster when they see the same thing you see.

Next you will learn why passwords stay secret, even from best friends, so adults can help lock accounts when needed.