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As our children spend more time online—chatting with friends, gaming, sharing videos, or scrolling through social media—it’s vital that we understand the risks they might face. One of the lesser-known, but very real, dangers is something called doxing.
Let’s explore what it is, why it matters, and most importantly, how you can talk to your child about it in calm, supportive, and practical ways.
What is Doxing?
Doxing (short for “dropping documents”) is when someone deliberately shares another person’s private or personal information online without their permission.
This could include:
- Full name
- Home address
- School name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Even details about family members
The aim is often to embarrass, threaten, or intimidate. Sometimes it can feel like a prank, but it can quickly become dangerous if private details spread online.
Why Does Doxing Matter for Kids?
For children and teens, doxing can feel terrifying. Imagine a private detail about you suddenly becoming public for anyone to see—it can feel like your safe world has been cracked open.
Doxing can lead to:
- Bullying or harassment online and offline
- Safety concerns, if personal details are widely shared
- Anxiety and fear about using the internet
- Loss of trust in friendships if it’s done by someone they know
This is why talking to your child about doxing is so important—so they understand what it is, what to do if it happens, and how to protect themselves.
How to Talk to Your Child About Doxing
When tricky topics come up, it’s best to stay calm, curious, and non-judgemental. Below are some simple scripts you can use to spark conversations at home.
1. Starting the Conversation
💬 “I read about something called doxing today—it’s when someone shares another person’s private details online without permission. Have you ever heard of it?”
💬 “Sometimes kids think it’s just a joke to post a friend’s number or address online, but actually it can be quite serious. What do you think about that?”
2. Explaining Why It’s Serious
💬 “When private information is shared online, it’s really hard to take it back. Even if someone deletes it, other people may have already saved or shared it.”
💬 “It’s a bit like leaving your diary open in the middle of the playground—suddenly anyone can read it.”
3. Helping Them Know What to Do
💬 “If anyone ever shares your details online without your permission, please tell me straight away. You won’t be in trouble—I’d just want to help keep you safe.”
💬 “If you ever see someone else being doxed, you can support them by not sharing the post further, and by letting an adult or teacher know.”
4. Setting Boundaries Around Sharing
💬 “When you’re online, try to keep personal information—like our address, phone numbers, or school—private. Think of it as our family’s secret code.”
💬 “Before posting something about a friend, always ask: ‘Would they be okay with this?’ If you’re not sure, it’s best not to share.”
Practical Steps for Parents
- Check privacy settings: Help your child set strong privacy controls on apps, games, and social media.
- Limit personal information: Remind them not to post things like school uniforms, house numbers, or locations in real time.
- Role-play scenarios: Practise together what they’d do if someone asked for their details online.
- Model safe sharing: Be mindful of what you post about your child online—kids learn from watching us.
Final Thought
Doxing may sound like a scary new word, but by talking openly with your child, you give them the tools to stay safe, confident, and resilient online. Remember: the goal isn’t to frighten them, but to empower them with knowledge and strategies.
Your calm guidance will help them see that while the digital jungle has risks, they are never alone in navigating it.
Take Control of Family Tech Today
Raising children in a world of screens can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Navigating the Digital Jungle: Scripts to Start Family Tech Conversations gives you practical, ready-to-use scripts to:
- Start meaningful conversations about screen time, social media, and online safety.
- Set healthy boundaries without power struggles.
- Build trust and understanding around technology in your home.
Empower your family to make tech work for you, rather than the other way around. Grab your copy today and take the first step toward confident, calm, and connected parenting in the digital age.
