06/03/2026
As the school year comes to an end, your children may have more free time – that makes this an important time to renew your conversation with them about staying safe online. BCA online safety experts offer these tips:
• Rather than focusing on “stranger danger,” talk with your children about tricky or manipulative people. Help your child understand what grooming and coercion look like - asking them to keep secrets, isolating them, pressuring them, making them feel obligated to do things, excessive gift-giving, excessive flattery and compliments early on in the relationship, etc.
• Disable all location and GPS-tracking settings on every app. Many apps have default settings that share your location. Avoid “tagging” photos, or “checking in” at places you visit.
• Ask your child to show you what each app does, how it works, who they talk to and why they like the app. Review privacy and safety settings together. Discuss boundaries and guidelines you have around technology use.
• Do not post pictures of others without their permission.
Start the conversation today to help them stay safe. For more information about staying safe online, go to: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/investigative-services/specialized-investigative-services/predatory-crimes/resources-victim-survivors-predatory-crimes
