Page 77 - Cyber Safety C-6

Asks you to share personal information: They often request for

personal details like your address, school name, passwords or family
routines, which can be misused to manipulate, threaten or exploit you
online.

Attempts to blackmail you: If you resist or reveal information, cyber
groomers may threaten to share private images, messages or secrets
to force compliance and maintain control over you.

“Real friends never ask you to hide secrets from parents or teachers. So,
always speak up to protect yourself.”

21 st # Critical Thinking
Century # Information Literacy
THE STRANGER BEHIND THE CHAT Skills
Aarav was scrolling through a popular gaming forum when he received a private message from
someone claiming to be a fellow gamer. The stranger was friendly, complimented Aarav’s skills and
asked if he wanted to join a special gaming group to play together. Excited, Aarav started chatting
regularly with the stranger, sharing his favourite games and some personal details like his school
address and hobbies.
After a few days, the stranger began asking more personal questions and suggested sharing photos
to get to know each other better. Aarav felt a little uneasy but didn’t want to offend the person, so
he considered sending a picture. The stranger also promised gifts and rewards for sharing more
information. Aarav remembered his teacher’s advice to always be careful online but wasn’t sure
what to do.
Later, Aarav’s older sister noticed his chats and immediately asked him about the stranger. Aarav
realised that he had been talking to someone he didn’t know and could be in danger. Together, they
reported the profile to the forum administrators and blocked the stranger. Aarav felt relieved but
also realised how easy it is to be tricked online if no one isn’t careful.
Based on the above case, answer the following questions:

1. What should Aarav have done before sharing personal information online?

2. Why was the stranger asking for personal details and photos?

Cyberbullying and Cyber Grooming 75