For Children

How to Tell a Real Friend from a Faker

A lesson about Tricky People online (for ages 5 to 11)

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Hello! We’re Pico, Moxo, and Luno, and we’re here to help you stay safe and smart when you’re online—whether you're gaming, watching videos, or chatting to friends.

Today, we’re talking about something important…
TRICKY PEOPLE.

It could be :

  • Sending mean messages
  • Posting unkind things or silly pictures to make you feel bad
  • Leaving you out on purpose in online games or chats
  • Pretending to be someone else and saying nasty things

What is a Tricky Person Online?

They might:

  • Pretend to be your age when they’re not
  • Say things like “don’t tell anyone about me”
  • Ask for pictures or videos
  • Want to meet you in real life without your grown-up knowing

A Tricky Person is someone who pretends to be your friend online… but really, they’re trying to trick you into doing something wrong or secret

Where Might You See a Tricky Person?

It could be :

  • Send you gifts in a game
  • Say you’re their “best friend” really quickly
  • Tell you you’re special and ask for secrets


But real friends don’t ask for weird things or try to keep secrets from your family.

Sometimes they show up in games or apps where you can chat. They might seem really nice at first

How to Spot a Tricky Person (and What To Do)

Here’s your Safe and Smart Plan:

  • STOP
    chatting with them
  • DON’T
    send any pictures or info
  • TELL
    your adult straight away
  • BLOCK & REPORT
    if you know how—or let your grown-up help

If someone makes you feel weird, worried or unsafe online... tell a grown-up you trust right away!

What Can You Do Right Now?

  • Always tell your grown-up who you’re chatting to online
  • Ask before downloading new games or apps
  • Say “NO” to anything that feels weird
  • Use strong passwords and don’t share them
  • Be kind online—and stay smart, just like Pico, Moxo & Luno!

You can never get in trouble for asking for help.

The internet is fun—but we stay safe together!

Smart kids tell safe grown-ups!

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