Cyber Explorer Skills · lesson 2 of 16 · 15 min
When to ask for help
Knowing when to ask for help is one of the most important cybersecurity skills. You do not have to handle every online situation alone — and trying to handle dangerous situations by yourself can make things worse. Trusted adults are there to help you, and asking for help is always the right choice when something feels wrong online.
Trusted adults include parents, guardians, teachers, school counselors, and other adults in your life who you know and trust. They have more experience with online dangers and can help you respond safely.
Always ask for help when: Something online scares or confuses you, someone is being unkind to you, you accidentally clicked something suspicious, someone asks for your personal information, you received a threatening message, or you are not sure if something is safe.
Situations that need a trusted adult
Clicked something suspicious Tell a trusted adult immediately — the sooner they know, the faster they can help fix it. Something scared you online You should never have to feel scared online alone. Tell a trusted adult right away. Someone is being unkind Cyberbullying and harassment need adult help — do not try to handle it alone. Someone asked for personal info Any stranger asking for your address, phone number, or school needs to be reported. Received a threatening message Threats online are serious. Save the message and show a trusted adult immediately. Not sure if something is safe When in doubt, ask. It is always better to check than to make a mistake.
It is always okay to ask
Some kids worry that asking for help means they did something wrong. But asking for help is smart and brave — not a sign of weakness or trouble. Trusted adults want to help you. The sooner you tell them about a problem, the sooner it can be fixed.
Even if you made a mistake — like clicking a suspicious link or sharing something you should not have — telling a trusted adult is still the right thing to do. They are not there to punish you; they are there to help you.
Key words to remember
- Trusted adult
- Ask for help
- Report
- Brave
- Sooner is better
Match each situation to the right action
Asking for help — quiz
You accidentally clicked a suspicious link. What should you do?
- Pretend it did not happen
- Tell a trusted adult right away
- Click more links to see what happens
- Turn off your device and never use it again
Answer: Tell a trusted adult right away
Telling a trusted adult quickly gives them the best chance to help fix the situation.
Asking a trusted adult for help with an online problem means you did something wrong.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Asking for help is smart and brave. Trusted adults want to help you stay safe.
Who is a trusted adult you can ask for help with online problems?
- A stranger in an online game
- Someone who messaged you first
- A parent, guardian, or teacher
- Anyone who seems friendly online
Answer: A parent, guardian, or teacher
Parents, guardians, and teachers are trusted adults who can help with online safety problems.
Why is it better to tell a trusted adult about a problem sooner rather than later?
- It is not — waiting is better
- The sooner they know, the faster they can help fix it
- Adults get less upset if you wait
- Problems usually fix themselves
Answer: The sooner they know, the faster they can help fix it
Acting quickly gives trusted adults the best chance to help before the situation gets worse.
If you made a mistake online, you should hide it from trusted adults.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Even if you made a mistake, telling a trusted adult is the right thing to do. They are there to help, not punish.
A stranger online is sending you threatening messages. What should you do?
- Reply to defend yourself
- Ignore it and keep chatting
- Save the messages and tell a trusted adult immediately
- Share the messages with friends
Answer: Save the messages and tell a trusted adult immediately
Threats online are serious. Save the evidence and tell a trusted adult right away.
What should you do if you are not sure whether something online is safe?
- Try it and see what happens
- Ask a trusted adult before proceeding
- Ask a friend online
- Ignore it
Answer: Ask a trusted adult before proceeding
When in doubt, always check with a trusted adult before clicking, downloading, or sharing.
Asking for help online is a sign of weakness.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Asking for help is smart and brave — it shows good judgment and responsibility.
Which of these is NOT a trusted adult?
- Your parent
- Your teacher
- A stranger you met in an online game
- Your school counselor
Answer: A stranger you met in an online game
Trusted adults are people you know in real life — not strangers you have only met online.
Something online scared you. What is the first thing you should do?
- Keep looking at it to understand it better
- Step away from the screen and tell a trusted adult
- Share it with friends to see what they think
- Delete your account
Answer: Step away from the screen and tell a trusted adult
Step away first to protect yourself, then tell a trusted adult so they can help.
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