Stay Smart, Stay Safe: A Letter to Kids About Being Online

Hey there!

I'm Ms. Kelly, and I want to have a REAL conversation with you! Let’s be real—being online is awesome. Whether you’re watching your favorite videos, gaming with friends, or chatting with cousins who live far away, the internet helps us feel connected and have fun. But just like how we wear seatbelts in a car or look both ways before crossing the street, we also need to stay safe online.

Now, your parents or guardians aren't trying to take away your fun. They're not trying to be the "fun police." They just want to protect you, just like they do when you wear a helmet on your bike or hold their hand in a busy parking lot. That’s why I’m writing this just for YOU.

Let’s talk about how to be smart, strong, and safe online.

🚨 Why Do We Need to Be Careful Online?

When you're under a certain age (usually 13 or 18 depending on the app), you're still learning how to tell if someone is trustworthy. That’s why you may hear adults say you're under the “legal age” for some online things—it's just a rule meant to protect kids while they grow and learn.

Here are three BIG reasons why it’s important to be careful online:

1. People Pretend to Be Someone They're Not

Some people—called traffickers—try to trick kids online. They may act like they’re your age or say they’re your friend just to get you to meet up in real life. Their goal is not friendship—it’s to control, hurt, or use people.

If you don't believe me, with your parents permission watch these videos so you can see how easy it is you you to be tricked online:

1. Dangers of Snapchat

2. Danger on Gaming Systems

3. People aren't always who they say they are- Adult man tries to meet 13 year old (Arrested)

2. Inappropriate Messages or Photos (Sextortion)

Sometimes strangers ask kids to send private or inappropriate photos. Then they blackmail them by threatening to tell others if they don’t keep sending more. That’s called sextortion, and it’s NOT your fault if someone tries that. It’s wrong and scary—but you are never alone. We are here to help.

3. Real-World Danger

Some online conversations can lead to kidnapping or dangerous situations. It might seem like you’re just talking to someone nice, but if they ask you to meet up without your parents knowing—that’s a big red flag.

🧠 Who Can You Trust? Let’s Talk About Red, Yellow, and Green Light Adults

Knowing who is safe (and who might not be) can be tricky. So let’s use this easy guide (After you watch the video):

🔴 Red Light Adults

These are strangers—especially adults who try to talk to you online, ask for pictures, or want to meet up. Never talk privately with red light adults online.

🟡 Yellow Light Adults

These are people like police officers or teachers. You might not know them super well, but they wear uniforms or have jobs that usually mean they’re supposed to help. You can talk to them in public if you’re in danger.

🟢 Green Light Adults

These are your trusted family and friends—people like parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, older siblings, and caregivers. They should always have your back and help you stay safe.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Sometimes people we think are green light adults might not act in safe ways. That’s why it’s always smart to talk to someone else you trust if anything feels weird, uncomfortable, or wrong.

🛡️ Your Online Safety ABCs

Here’s how you can protect yourself anytime you’re unsure online:

🅰️ A is for Ask First

If someone messages you—whether it's on a game, app, or social media—ask a trusted adult before you reply or add them.

🅱️ B is for Block Them

If someone:

• Asks for your address, school name, or where you live

• Wants you to keep secrets

• Sends or asks for inappropriate photos

• Tries to make you feel guilty or scared➡️ Block them immediately and tell an adult.

  
  

🅲 C is for Use Caution

If something feels off, it probably is. Listen to that little voice inside you that says, “Hmm, this feels weird.” And call someone you trust—you’re never bothering us!

🧡 We’re (My team and I) Are Always Here for You

If you ever feel uncomfortable, confused, or scared about something that happened online, you are not alone. The team at Project Mona’s House cares about you so much.

📞 Call us at 716-795-6662 anytime you need help, want to talk, or have questions. You deserve to be safe, strong, and free.