Staying Safe Online: Protecting Students from Cyber Threats, Trafficking, and Fake Profiles

Megan McConahy

The internet has become so popular that students today don’t know what it was like before we could access the world at our fingertips. Being able to access the online space has changed and created a lot of positive possibilities that didn’t easily exist before. We can connect with organizations we are interested in or friends who live far away, take online courses, and utilize online tools that our schools provide to make sure we don’t miss anything.

 

There is another side to being online that isn’t so positive for our students. The not-so-glamourous side includes:

  • Bullying.
  • The inability to escape something after the school bell rings.
  • Putting our children at risk of human trafficking.

Here are the six tips that we can do to protect our students online. These steps are beneficial to students and parents. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself online:

Recognizing and Avoiding Fake Profiles

 

Fake profiles are one of the more deceptive online threats. Often, these accounts are created to lure students into dangerous situations. They may impersonate familiar people or claim to be friends of friends.

 

Red Flags to watch for:

  • Inconsistent details: A fake profile might have little information or show suspicious gaps in their personal data.
  • Inaccurate images: A few photos that seem out of place could be an indicator. Use Google Reverse Image Search to search for the image they are using to see if it has been on another website.
  • Asking Questions: Be aware if someone you don’t know starts asking too many personal questions. Fake profiles will ask questions and act like they know you when they are looking to learn more about you.
  • Unrealistic promises: Promising gifts, jobs, or quick money often lure victims into risky situations.

Safety Tips:

  • Stick to the people you only know in “real” life: Only accept friend requests from people you personally know and trust.
  • Verify the person’s identity: Cross-check with friends or family before interacting further if someone claims to know you.
  • Report and block suspicious users: Don’t hesitate to block or report profiles that make you feel uneasy.

Protecting Against Online Trafficking Risks

 

Human traffickers are known to target unsuspecting users through social media and other online platforms like Indeed. They may pose as friends or businesses hiring, but their end goal is often exploitation.

 

Tactics Traffickers Use:

  • Build a relationship with you: Traffickers may connect with you on social media through a fake account. They begin to learn more about the student, comfort them, or pretend to be someone their age. Building a relationship will create trust between themselves and their victim.
  • Secrecy: They may ask the victim to keep the relationship or conversation private. This is a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
  • Manipulation: Eventually, traffickers might use threats or guilt to control their targets. There are several times when the trafficker will convince the child to send an inappropriate photo to them. Once this occurs, the trafficker will use this photo as a way to threaten the student by saying they will show the photo to the victim’s parents or others.

Tips for Students:

  • Only meet online contacts in person with adult supervision: Meeting someone online can be dangerous, and parents or trusted adults should always be informed of your intentions.
  • If something doesn’t feel right, say something: If someone’s behavior makes you uncomfortable, tell an adult immediately.
  • Avoid oversharing: Be careful about revealing personal details like your home address, school, or daily routines. Never share your personal information with someone online.
  • Make your profile private: Keep your social media profile private so only friends can view your posts.
  • Tips for Parents: 
  • Make sure that your child’s profile is set to private.
  • Keep your child’s profile private.
  • Ensure they aren’t posting private details (phone numbers, addresses, or check-ins.)
  • Make sure your child is not posting any photos that would put them in harm or jeopardize their character.
  • Make sure they choose a strong password.
  • Make sure they only accept friend requests from people they know.
  • Set guidelines/rules for their social media use.
  • Keep an open dialogue with your child.

If you suspect someone is attempting to manipulate or exploit a child online, do not attempt to approach or confront them on your own. Human traffickers can be extremely dangerous, and engaging with them directly can put you or others at risk. Instead, immediately report the situation to the appropriate authorities and contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-981-7888. 

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying remains a significant concern for students. It can have long-lasting effects on a student’s mental and emotional health, often making them feel isolated or targeted.

What to Do if You Experience Cyberbullying:

  • Save the evidence: Take screenshots or save any messages that are threatening or harassing.
  • Report it: Social media platforms have reporting features for cyberbullying, and students should also talk to a teacher or parent.
  • Block the bully: Prevent further contact by blocking the person responsible.

As students spend more time online, they must stay aware of the risks they may face. From recognizing fake profiles to avoiding online trafficking, students must know how to navigate the internet safely.

 

Parents must maintain open communication and stay involved in their children’s digital lives. By working together, we can create safer online environments for students everywhere.

For more resources on keeping students safe online, explore our website or call our administrative office at 724-342-4934.

 

If you or someone you know encounters a suspicious individual or activity online, do not take matters into your own hands. Human trafficking is a serious crime, and approaching traffickers without proper assistance can escalate the danger. Always report these situations to the authorities or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Your safety and the safety of others should always be the top priority.