Konkrete Situationen · about 10 min
Talking About Strangers Online
Discuss warning signs without making everyone seem scary.
Connect → Understand → Protect → Set boundaries → Follow up
The CALM method (RUHIG)
R — Ruhe bewahren: Bevor du beginnst: kurz durchatmen, eigenes Handy weglegen, nicht im größten Ärger starten, wenn möglich einen ruhigen Ort wählen und genügend Zeit einplanen.
U — Unvoreingenommen zuhören: Nicht sofort bewerten. Nicht unterbrechen. Keine schnellen Schuldzuweisungen. Keine voreiligen Strafen ankündigen.
H — Herausfinden, was passiert ist: Nutze offene Fragen statt Verhör.
I — Im nächsten Schritt gemeinsam handeln: Sicherheit prüfen, Beweise sichern, blockieren und melden, Konten schützen, Schule oder Plattform einbeziehen, professionelle Hilfe holen — wenn nötig.
G — Gespräch später wieder aufnehmen: Ein Gespräch löst nicht immer alles. Vereinbart, wann ihr wieder sprecht, was bis dahin passiert, wer was übernimmt und woran ihr erkennt, ob weitere Hilfe nötig ist.
Goal of the conversation
Explain warning signs without creating a blanket fear of all strangers.
A good opening
“Not everyone who seems friendly online is dangerous. But some people try to take advantage of trust. Let's talk about how to recognize that.”
Helpful questions
- Who is allowed to message you?
- What would you do if someone asks for pictures?
- What would you do if someone wants to know your secrets?
- When would you involve us?
- What would you do if someone suggests meeting up?
What to watch for
- Keeping secrets
- Gifts
- Private photos
- Questions about school or address
- Switching platforms
- Pressure
- Threats
- Meetups
- Unbelievable age claims
Family rules
- Never meet online contacts alone.
- You should always show uncomfortable messages.
Printable conversation card
Talking About Strangers Online
A good opening
“Some people try to take advantage of trust online. Let’s talk about how to recognize that.”
Helpful questions
- Who is allowed to message you?
- What should you do if someone asks for pictures or secrets?
- When will you ask us about this?
What to avoid
- Creating blanket fear
- Banning everything without explanation
Concrete next steps
- Clarify family rules
- Role-play examples
- Agree on a help signal
Need urgent help?
If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services. For helplines:
Open help lines