“Hey Bestie!”: Why Your Child’s Biggest Online Risk Might Be a ‘Friend’

As parents, many of us have gotten pretty good at the basics—strong passwords, turning on two-factor authentication, and setting up parental controls. But the truth is, the biggest threat to your child online might not come from a hacker in a hoodie trying to guess their password. It might come from a smiling emoji in a group chat, a flirty “Hey bestie!” in a game lobby, or an AI chatbot pretending to be their new online crush.

This isn’t just a global issue—it’s happening right here in Jamaica too. Our children are being hurt through exposure to harmful content, online grooming, bullying, and even dangerous viral challenges. And, I haven’t even gotten to the scamming part yet.

Just recently, international headlines told chilling stories: AI chatbots that encouraged teens to harm themselves or even worse, children injured while trying out a viral “Superman Challenge,” and rising concerns over how AI chat apps are drawing in young users with eerily realistic conversations. Locally, The Gleaner recently reported on serious concerns about Jamaican children being groomed online and tricked into sharing explicit content.

Let me be real with you: Our children don’t have to leave the house to be at risk. The danger is already in our homes, in their hands, and sometimes even in their bedrooms—disguised as a “follower,” a “friend,” or a harmless game.

My friend and fellow parent Emma Sharp Dalton-Brown once told students:

“If you’ve never met them, they are a follower, not your friend.”

I couldn’t agree more. The phrase “don’t talk to strangers” now comes with a digital twist, because today’s strangers use social engineering and AI to seem familiar, trustworthy—even fun.

It’s Not Just Hackers – It’s ‘Hey Bestie!’

Kids today aren’t just getting hacked—they’re getting tricked. Hackers are smart. They don’t always go after passwords. They go after trust.

They show up in:

• Game chats

• Group DMs

• Fake friend requests

• Impostor accounts

They build comfort first. Then they start asking questions—little things that seem harmless but add up quickly. And before your child knows it, they’ve shared too much.

What Kids Might Share Without Realizing the Risk

Here’s just a glimpse of what kids often share with “friends” online that could put them in danger:

• Full name and birthday – Perfect for guessing passwords or identity theft

• School name or home address – Easy for someone to figure out where they are

• Daily routine – “I’m home alone after 3” is not something to share

• Family details – Hackers use this to build false trust

• Photos or videos – Uniforms, street signs, bedrooms—they all give away info

• Passwords – Friends change, but shared passwords stick around

• Private messages – Screenshots can be misused or turned into blackmail

• Contact info – Phone numbers and emails can lead to spam or scams

• Answers to “fun” quizzes – These often double as password-recovery questions

• Plans to meet someone – Online friends are still strangers until proven otherwise

• If your child wouldn’t write it on a classroom whiteboard for everyone to see, they probably shouldn’t share it online—even in a “private” chat.

Easy Tips to Help Kids Spot Red Flags Online

Here’s what you can teach your child to help them stay safe:

• If it feels weird, it probably is. Trust your gut and ask an adult.

• Pause before clicking. Even if it comes from a “friend.”

• Don’t rush to respond. Urgency is a common scam tactic.

• Question new accounts. If someone already on your list is sending a second request, double-check.

• Never share passwords. Not even with your best friend.

• Think before sharing photos or videos. If you wouldn’t want a parent or teacher to see it, don’t send it.

• Watch for too-good-to-be-true messages. Free game credits? Probably fake.

• Use the “Would I say this in real life?” test. If the answer is no, don’t type it.

• Still unsure? Ask. There’s no shame in checking first. That’s what you’re here for.

Let’s Get Real

I know this is a lot. And yes, it’s heavy. But here’s the truth—you don’t need to be a tech expert to keep your child safe online. You just need to stay aware, keep talking, and make cybersecurity part of your everyday parenting.

Because your child’s best defence isn’t just a password—it’s knowing what to look out for.

Remember the ABCs of online safety: Assume nothing. Believe no one. Check everything.

Let’s protect our kids—not just from strangers on the street, but from the very real dangers hiding in their screens.