Internet best friends can be pretending or tricking you into trusting them so you will send them sensitive information, so if your parents worry about you having one, they might have good reason. Here's how to tell your parents that you have an internet friend without causing stress or arguments.
Steps
Write details of your internet best friend on a piece of paper.
Write down how you found them and any details they gave you about themselves. If they have a username, note it down to tell your parents.
Sit your parents down.
If your parents are very firm on you not having an Internet best friend and that they might overreact, sit them down when none of you are busy. Make sure you all are calmed down.
- Pick a good time to talk to your parents. Don’t do it when they’re stressed or angry.
Tell them you have found an internet friend.
Tell them how you guys met and how you have been interacting. It might be through gaming or social media platforms.
- Explain how you met, their interests, what sort of interactions you have, and where you see your friendship going.
Show them some of the interactions you have had.
If you have pictures of interactions with them, it’s best to show your parents. If the person you have been talking to is nice, your parents may start to approve of them.
- This may be text messages, comments on posts, or chat threads. It’s best to be totally honest and open here to gain your parents’ trust.
Answer questions.
If they have questions about your friend, try your best to answer them. Don’t lie about them, however.
- Try not to get angry or frustrated if your parents have pre-conceived opinions about people on the internet. They may completely ignore your arguments and point of view. If this happens it’s best to stay calm and explain your situation. Try and reassure your parents that you’re being as safe and careful as possible on the internet, so they’re less worried about your safety.
Listen to what your parents have said.
If your parents say you can continue being friends with them, go ahead. However, if they want you to limit interactions with them, try to do so. Talk to them every now and then, but not too often.
Respect your parents’ decision.
Even if they ask you to stop being friends with someone, remember they have your best interests at heart. They’re just trying to keep you safe and out of danger, so it’s best for you to listen to them and do what they ask.
Tips
- Make friends with nice people.
- Back before the days of the internet, kids used to have penpals, so the chances are, your parents will probably be understanding about having friends via the internet.
Warnings
- Interacting with strangers over the internet can be dangerous, make sure to always be cybersafe when online.