A Support Guide
This guide emphasizes both the child's experience and the importance of a parent's reaction, creating a supportive framework for navigating the aftermath of a scam.
Recognize the Risks
Be aware that online trading, especially in gaming, carries a risk of scams. Encourage your child to be cautious when buying, selling, or trading items.
Understand Skin Trading
In games like Roblox and Counter-Strike, players can buy, sell, and trade skins. However, scams, particularly through “trust trades,” are common. Advise your child to avoid these trades to reduce the risk of being scammed.
Support Your Child After a Scam
Acknowledge that being scammed can deeply affect your child. They may feel betrayed, ashamed, or angry. It's crucial to validate their feelings and let them express their emotions.
Stay Calm as a Parent
It's important for parents to remain calm and not express anger, even if that is your initial instinct. Remember that scammers can deceive anyone—children and adults alike. Many experienced traders and even professional gamers have fallen victim to scams. Acknowledging this reality helps your child feel understood and less isolated in their experience.
Reassure Your Child
Remind them that trusting others is not wrong and that the fault lies with the scammer. Encourage them to maintain their belief in the goodness of people, but this is a great lesson for how to think critically.
Educate About Scams
Discuss the reality that scams happen to many people, not just children. Help your child understand that it can be hard to recognize a scam and that being cautious is important. People are nice, but generally nothing is for free and take this as an opening to talk about alternatives for what to do next time. They can also always ask you if they aren’t sure.
...
By understanding the risks of online scams and providing your child with the emotional support they need, you can help them navigate the digital world more safely and confidently. With open communication and validation of their feelings, they can learn to approach future online interactions with greater awareness and resilience.
