Step-by-Step: How to Protect a Child from Omegle

Understand the Risks

• Omegle allows users to chat with strangers via text or webcam.
• No account is needed, so anyone can access it instantly.

Common risks include exposure to:

• Sexual content
• Predators and grooming
• Sextortion
• Live streaming of abuse

Block the Website and App:

On iPhone/iPad (Screen Time Settings):

• Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
• Enable restrictions and go to Content Restrictions.
• Tap Web Content > Select Limit Adult Websites.
• Under “Never Allow,” add: www.omegle.com.

On Android (Google Family Link):

• Open Family Link app.
• Tap the child’s profile.
• Go to Filters on Google Chrome > Manage sites.
• Add www.omegle.com to the block list.

Router-Level Blocking:

• Use parental control settings on your home Wi-Fi router (e.g., Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link) to block the domain omegle.com.

Use Parental Control Apps:

• Bark
• Qustodio
• Net Nanny
• Circle Home Plus
• Google  Link

These apps can block access to Omegle and detect risky conversations or apps.

Have an open conversation:

• Explain why Omegle is dangerous.
• Discuss what to do if someone tries to talk to them online.
• Teach them about online predators, sextortion, and digital safety.

Monitor Device Use

• Regularly check installed apps and browser history.
• Use “safe search” settings on Google, Bing, and YouTube.
• Watch for signs of secretive behavior or deleting browsing history.

Report if Harm Occurs

If your child is exposed to explicit content or contacted by a predator:

• Report to NCMEC’s CyberTipline: www.cybertipline.org
• Call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) for immediate help.
• Contact your local law enforcement.
  

Inadequate User Verification
Even though Saturn requires a school email or phone number for verification, reports show that people can still create fake accounts and access student information. One parent demonstrated how easy it was to pose as a student and view class rosters and schedules, exposing a serious authentication flaw.

Exposure of Personal Information
By default, Saturn profiles show students’ full names, class schedules, and linked social media accounts such as Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. This visibility makes it easier for predators to collect information about students’ daily routines and online presence.

Direct Messaging and Event Features
The app lets users send direct messages and post about events on public boards, including who plans to attend. This can allow individuals with bad intentions to contact or track students.

Lack of Parental Controls
Saturn is designed only for student use, with no parental oversight tools. Without adult supervision, parents cannot monitor interactions or adjust privacy settings for their children.

What Parents Can Do

Discuss Online Safety
Talk openly with your children about protecting personal information and the risks of sharing schedules or linking social media accounts.

Review Privacy Settings
If your child uses Saturn, make sure their profile is private and that they understand how to manage visibility and friend requests.

Monitor App Usage
Check which apps your child uses, learn their features, and stay informed about any privacy or safety concerns.

Consider Alternatives
Look into other school or scheduling tools that provide stronger privacy options and built-in parental controls.

Staying proactive and informed is the best way to protect your child’s digital safety.

Keep Your Child’s Schedule Private
An exposed class schedule can attract unwanted attention from predators or bullies. Keep it private whenever possible by adjusting the in-app settings.

Steps to Change Schedule Visibility:

1. Open the Saturn app on your iPhone or Android.
2. Tap the Profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
3. Scroll down to Schedule Visibility.
4. Toggle the switch off to make the schedule private (toggling it on allows everyone at the school to view it).

Discord is a popular communication app that allows users to chat via text, voice, or video. Originally created for gamers, it has expanded into a global platform used by students, content creators, and communities of all types.

While Discord offers social benefits like collaborative learning and shared interests, it poses serious risks to children if left unmonitored.

Key Dangers:

• Inappropriate Content: Many public servers contain unfiltered adult content, including explicit images, language, and discussions.
• Online Predators: Strangers can easily message children, posing as peers to groom or exploit them.
• Cyberbullying: Private messaging and group chats can foster harassment, threats, or peer pressure—often invisible to parents.
• No Parental Controls: Discord lacks built-in tools for parents to monitor conversations or limit screen time.
• Anonymity & Disappearing Chats: Users can change their names freely, and messages can be deleted without a trace—making oversight difficult.
• Scams & Malware: Links shared in chats can lead to phishing attempts, scams, or harmful downloads.

While Discord can be used safely by older teens with supervision, it is not suitable for young children and should be treated with the same caution as any unfiltered online environment.

Stay informed. Stay involved. And always prioritize open communication.  Download Checklist

🧱 1. Set Up a Safe Account

• Use a parent-managed email for the child’s account.
• Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Be aware: Discord’s minimum age is 13 (or 16 in some countries per GDPR).

⚙️ 2. Adjust Privacy Settings

Go to: User Settings > Privacy & Safety

• ✅ Keep Me Safe: ON (scans direct messages for explicit content).
• ✅ Allow direct messages from server members: OFF
• ✅ Who can add you as a friend: Customize to “Friends of Friends” or OFF
• ❌ Use data to customize Discord experience: OFF
• ❌ Allow Discord to track screen reader usage: OFF (unless necessary)

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 3. Control Server Access

• Monitor what servers your child joins.
• Avoid public servers; opt for private or family-approved ones.
• Turn Explicit Content Filter ON for both DMs and servers.

🗣️ 4. Manage Communication

• Block or mute users who exhibit inappropriate behavior.
• Teach your child how to report harassment or offensive content:
• Right-click on message > “Report”
• Use Discord’s Block feature on strangers.

⛔ 5. Disable NSFW Content

• Discord automatically restricts NSFW channels for under-18 accounts.
• Confirm your child’s account is registered with the correct birthdate.
• Never allow use of third-party bots that bypass restrictions.

📱 6. Use Parental Controls

Use tools like:

• Qustodio, Bark, Mobicip , or Net Nanny
• These can monitor:
• Time spent on Discord
• Messages and screenshots (depending on device)
• Installed apps and activity logs

📆 7. Set Usage Limits

• Use built-in Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android).
• Block Discord access at night or during study hours.

🧠 8. Talk About Online Dangers

• Discuss risks like:
• Grooming
• Predators posing as kids
• Sharing personal info or photos
• Keep communication open and non-judgmental so your child feels safe telling you if something goes wrong.

Online Safety | Parenting | Gaming

“Mom, can I play Roblox?” If you’re a parent in 2025, you’ve likely heard that question more than once. With over 70 million daily users, Roblox is one of the most popular online platforms for children—but with great popularity comes great responsibility.

While Roblox is marketed as a kid-friendly platform that allows players to create, share, and play games, it’s not without risks. As a parent, it’s crucial to understand how to protect your child while still allowing them to enjoy the creative freedom the platform offers.

Here’s what you need to know—and how to take action.  Download Checklist

Step 1: Log Into Their Account

• Go to  roblox.com, click “Log In,” and enter your child’s username and password.

Step 2: Enable Account PIN

• Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right and select Settings.
• Go to the Parental Controls tab.
• Turn on Account PIN and create a 4-digit PIN.
• This PIN will be needed to change safety settings later.

Step 3: Set an Accurate Birthdate

• Under Settings > Account Info, make sure your child’s real birthdate is entered.
• Children under 13 will automatically get safer chat filters and age-appropriate content limits.

Step 4: Turn On Account Restrictions

• Go to Parental Controls.
• Toggle Account Restrictions to ON.
• This locks access to pre-approved games and disables unfiltered communication.

Step 5: Disable or Limit Chat (Optional)

• Go to Settings > Privacy.
• Under Who can chat with me? or similar settings, select  Friends or No one.
• You can also disable private messages entirely.

Step 6: Enable 2-Step Verification

• Go to Settings > Security.
• Turn on 2-Step Verification.
• Add and verify a parent’s email address.
• This protects the account from unauthorized access.

Step 7: Review Linked Devices & Sessions

• Under Settings > Security, scroll to the bottom.
• Check all active sessions and devices.
• Click “Log out of all other sessions” if something looks suspicious.

Step 8: Monitor Spending Activity

• Click on the Robux icon and go to My Transactions.
• View past purchases, game passes, and other spending.
• Consider using gift cards or monthly Robux allowances instead of open access to a credit card.

Step 9: Teach Your Child How to Report

• Show them how to:
• Use the Report Abuse button in games and on player profiles.
• Block users who behave inappropriately.
• Come to you if anything feels off.

Recent Cases of Predators Exploiting Roblox. 
Roblox is a digital playground where users can both play and design games.

Matthew Macatuno Naval (California, 2025)

• In April 2025, 27-year-old Matthew Macatuno Naval was arrested for kidnapping a 10-year-old girl from Taft, California. They initially connected through Roblox and later communicated via Discord. Naval was found with the child in his car at a strip mall in Elk Grove, over four hours from her home. He faces charges including kidnapping and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor .

Christian Scribben (Florida, 2025)

• Seventeen-year-old Christian Scribben was arrested in Marion County, Florida, after admitting to targeting four to five children daily on Roblox. He instructed minors to produce explicit content, sometimes involving their siblings, and used Discord to evade detection. Scribben faces multiple charges, including directing a sexual performance by a child .

764 Online Network (Global, 2025)

• An extremist group known as “764” has been reported to manipulate children on platforms like Roblox, leading them into abusive situations. Operating through gaming apps and social media, they have coerced minors into creating explicit content and even engaged in terror threats .

British Case Involving a 9-Year-Old Girl (2024)

• A British mother reported that her nine-year-old daughter was befriended by a predator on Roblox. The individual lured the child to Discord, where she was bombarded with sexually explicit messages and media. The incident underscores the risks associated with third-party communication platforms linked to online games .

Tony Rodriguez (Fairport, NY, 2025)

• Tony Rodriguez, 40, was arrested after attempting to meet what he believed was an 11-year-old girl he had communicated with on Roblox. He sent explicit messages and images, and arranged to meet the girl at a library, where he was confronted and later arrested.

David Ibarra (Anchorage, AK, 2025)

• David Ibarra, a 31-year-old U.S. Air Force member, posed as a 13-year-old boy to coerce a 9-year-old girl into sending explicit images through TikTok and Roblox. He paid her $191 via Apple Pay and was later arrested and charged with coercion and exploitation of a minor.

Michael Shablinger (Germany/UK, 2024)

• Michael Shablinger, 36, groomed a 13-year-old girl on Roblox, then flew from Germany to the UK to sexually abuse her. He was caught after the girl’s mother discovered their communications. Shablinger was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison.

13-Year-Old Boy’s Lawsuit Against Roblox and Discord (2024)

• A 13-year-old boy’s family filed a lawsuit against Roblox and Discord, alleging that lax safety measures allowed a predator to coerce the child into sending explicit images in exchange for in-game currency. The predator was later found to have exploited over 20 minors.

Eight-Year-Old Girl Targeted in Wilmington, NC (2022)

• An eight-year-old girl was approached by a predator on Roblox who asked for her phone number and later requested inappropriate videos via text messages. The incident was discovered by her mother, highlighting the risks of unsupervised online interactions

The NetSmartz program, developed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, provides parents and guardians with essential tools to help protect children online. It offers a wide range of free educational resources that can be viewed or downloaded at home.

NetSmartz draws on its unique position as the national clearinghouse for child exploitation information, ensuring every resource is informed by real-world cases and expertise. Their materials include videos, conversation starters, and easy-to-use discussion guides that help parents talk with children about digital safety in a clear and age-appropriate way.

Learning Tools for Children

NetSmartz Kids Website
Young children can visit the NetSmartz Kids

If a Child Is Missing or Abducted

Immediate Action Is Critical
The FBI has jurisdiction to investigate any reported mysterious disappearance or kidnapping involving a child. Do not wait to report a missing child.

Who to Contact First

• Call your local FBI field office or the nearest international FBI office.
• You can also reach the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

If your child may be abducted internationally by a family member and has not yet left the country, contact the U.S. Department of State right away for emergency assistance.

Reporting Online Exploitation

If you suspect or discover online child sexual exploitation, report it immediately using one of the following:

• CyberTipline: www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline
  

FTC – Protecting Kids Online How to talk to your kids about being online, and how to help them make good decisions and stay safe.  Link

How Google can help you 

Google can help you manage what’s right for your family online. Children today are growing up with technology, not growing into it like previous generations. So we’re working directly with experts and educators to help you set boundaries and use technology in a way that’s right for your family.

• Family Link helps you manage your child’s account and devices as they explore online. Set screen time limits, manage the content your child can see, and know their location when they have their device with them. Link 

The  Child ID app   allows you to store photos and vital information about your child so you can quickly share it with security or police. It also includes tips on keeping children safe and guidance on what to do in those first crucial hours after a child goes missing.

Data and photos are stored only on your mobile device. They are not shared until you choose to send the information to authorities.

You can download the app on:

• App Store (Apple)
• Google Play (Android)
  

Recognizing Online Threats
Adults can also become targets of online exploitation, fraud, and harassment. Scammers and predators often use social media, dating platforms, and messaging apps to collect personal information, manipulate victims, or commit financial crimes. Recognizing these risks is the first step in protecting yourself and others.

Common Online Threats

• Romance and financial scams: Individuals posing as trusted partners or friends to gain access to money or sensitive data.
• Cyberstalking and harassment: Persistent unwanted contact or monitoring that can escalate to real-world threats.
• Identity theft: The use of stolen personal or financial information for fraudulent activity.
• Sextortion: Coercing or threatening someone to share sexual images or money under the threat of exposure.

How to Protect Yourself

• Limit personal details: Avoid posting your full name, address, workplace, or daily routines online.
• Use privacy settings: Review and adjust social-media privacy settings to restrict who can view your content.
• Verify before trusting: Be cautious when communicating with new online contacts. Never send money or personal information to someone you have not met in person.
• Secure your devices: Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regularly update software to protect against unauthorized access.
• Document harassment: If you experience threats, stalking, or online abuse, keep records of messages and report them to both the platform and law enforcement.

Where to Report or Seek Help

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): www.ic3.gov