Quick summary: In this factsheet, you will learn what to do when your child has received gifts from a stranger or someone they met online.
Audience: Parents, caregivers, trusted adults.
Related online course: Teaching Consent To Children
Related education package: eSafety for Kids
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Parent Factsheet: What to do when your child has received gifts from a stranger or someone they met onlineCalmly ask your child open questions about the gifts they have received. Remind them that it is unusual for online friends to send gifts, and it could be a warning sign for something more serious. Reassure your child that you are there to support them.
Receiving gifts online from friends or strangers is considered a warning sign for grooming. It is important to investigate further by staying calm and asking your child more about the gift/s and the person sending it. Ask if your child has also sent gifts. There may be a simple answer, so get the facts before jumping to any conclusions.
It is most common for an online friend to send online gifts such as vouchers directly to your child’s email address, via apps, games or social platforms. It is a good idea to have access to your child’s email address as a family rule so you can monitor and ask questi
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