Trauma
What is trauma?
Trauma is any upsetting and/or confusing event that happens to someone that often changes how they think, feel, and act.
What emotions does a kid feel after experiencing a trauma?
All kinds of emotions! There's no right or wrong way to feel after something traumatic happens. Some kids feel jumpy or nervous or angry.
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What is an online predator?
An online child predator is someone that seeks contact with children and adolescents on the internet for abusive purposes.
What is the first thing a kid should do if someone she doesn't know messages her online?
Tell an adult!
Who does trauma happen to?
Trauma can happen to anyone at any age.
Does someone act different after they experience a trauma?
Often times, yes! Although everyone is different and responds differently to traumatic events, a lot kids act differently when they have experienced a trauma. Some ways that kids act different sometimes is by arguing with their parents more, having trouble sleeping, being aggressive, having tantrums, and lying. There's a lot of other ones, too; these are just some examples.
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What does it mean when an online predator "targets" someone?
When an online predator "targets" a child or teen, it means that they have chosen a child or teen to send an inappropriate message to so that they can learn more about the child/teen and potentially try and get pictures or other information about the child/teen; the child or teen is the online predator's target.
True or false: Most kids tell their parents when the get an inappropriate message online.
False! Only 25% of kids tell their parents when an online predator is sending inappropriate messages.
About 25%.
How do some people think differently when they have experienced a trauma?
Some people have negative thoughts about themselves and the world after something scary happens to them. They may think things like, "The world isn't a safe place" or "I can't trust anyone."
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True or false: Boys are targeted more by online predators than girls.
False! Research says 75% of victims of online predators were girls and 25% were boys.
True or false: Kids today are getting inappropriate messages from online predators more than they did in the past.
False! In 2000, reports showed that 19% of kids were getting inappropriate messages from online predators; but, more recently, that percentage has dropped to 11% due to increased knowledge, safety features, and availability of information.
True or false: When a trauma happens to a child, it is that child's fault that it happened.
False! It is never a child's fault that a traumatic event happened to them. It is always the adult's fault!
Can trauma make a person feel physically sick?
Yes! Sometimes, when someone is reminded of the traumatic event, they may feel upset and have strong reactions in their bodies, such as their heart beating fast, having a stomach ache, sweating, or shaking.
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What is a place you want to visit someday?
How many kids in the USA receive an inappropriate message from an online predator?
Research says about 1 in 7 kids in the USA receive an inappropriate message from an online predator.
Is it a red flag if someone asks you for your address online?
YES!
What is an example of a trauma?
- physical abuse
- mental abuse
- verbal abuse
- neglect
- environmental disasters
- car accidents
- a family member passing away
- being harassed by an online predator
- others?
Can anything help someone feel better after they have experienced a trauma?
Yes! Doing trauma therapy with a professional or even just talking about the scary situation can help someone feel better.
ABOUT ME 5
What is something you want to be better at?
What is grooming?
Grooming is a process in which an online predator starts of talking to a child/teen casually to build a relationship with the child/teen and gain their trust. After a while, the online predator will usually advance grooming by asking for inappropriate pictures, manipulating the child by being friendly toward them, give compliments to the child, and try to turn the child against their parents. These are just a few examples.
What is one thing you can do to stay safe online?
- tell parent if any stranger messages you
- do not send private information to someone online
- only accept friend requests from people you know
- if someone asks for a picture or other information from you, check with your parent first