Why won't your teen open up to you about what happens online? Sometimes, the missing piece isn't another safety rule. It's showing your teen that you can admit your own mistakes, too.

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My Help Your Kids and Teens Spot Online Predators Talking Scripts and mini-course give you exactly what to say to help your kids recognize warning signs, build trust, and feel comfortable opening up to you.

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In this episode of Secret Lives of Teens Online, I share the conversation with my mom that changed our relationship after she discovered I'd been groomed online as a teen. She told me she'd made mistakes raising me and apologized. For the first time, I felt free to tell her what I'd been holding back.

I grew up as the golden child in a loving, protective family. I had strict internet rules and parents who cared deeply about my safety. And I was still groomed online.

We talk about why good kids can have secret online lives, how trying to be the perfect parent can make honest conversations harder, and what it looks like to listen without immediately correcting, judging, or lecturing your teen.

How can you get your teen to talk to you? Start by asking what you could do differently. Share that you're human, too. Listen to the answer, even when it's uncomfortable. And keep teaching your child to recognize unsafe behavior online and offline, whether or not they're allowed on social media or online games.

You don't have to be a perfect parent to help protect your teen. You have to be someone they can be honest with.

Want to share your story? If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: slotopodcast@gmail.com. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.

Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram: @CyberFareedah and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥

Want to work with me? If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at support@sekuva.com or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects