strangers who want secrets

Keep It Between Us

Bubbles' new online friend gives her free gems, then asks her to chat on another app, send a photo and keep it secret. Her tummy knows something's wrong. She tells Gary, Gary says tell a grown-up, and Sergeant Clawdia of the Reef Cyber Patrol explains, gently, what to do.

Coming soon

This episode is on its way to YouTube.

Subscribe to @phishmael

Today's rule: Asked to keep a secret? Tell a grown-up.

What kids learn

Online, people can pretend to be anyone
Never share photos, your address or your school
Funny feeling? Tell a grown-up you trust

Quiz time

Can you get them all?

Someone you only know online asks you to keep a secret from your grown-ups. What do you do?

Which secret is okay to keep?

Play the game

🤫 Tell a Grown-Up

Some secrets are fine. Some secrets you always tell. Can you tell the difference?

For parents & teachers

Talk about it together

Talk about 'good secrets' (surprises that end in cake) and 'bad secrets' (anything that feels funny, or that a grown-up wouldn't know about).
Make sure your child knows they will never be in trouble for telling you about something online.
Signs to watch for: gifts, lots of compliments, moving to a private app, asking for photos, school or address, and 'don't tell your parents'.
Save screenshots, block and report the account, and contact your local police or child-safety service if you are worried.

When Someone Online Asks Your Child to Keep a Secret

Online, people can pretend to be any age and like anything. That's why children need one simple rule rather than trying to guess who someone really is.

Read the full guide →