Fake or Friend

 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• 1. Why does Keyan trust Tracey?

Keyan trusts Tracey because she says the types of things that a good friend would. For example, Tracey tells Keyan that she likes the same activities that he does and that she will always be on his side. Keyan believes Tracey until Tad and Slick remind him that people can say whatever they want online. Online predators may pretend to agree with kids in order to gain their trust. Then they use that trust to convince kids to do things that will hurt them.

• 2. What information does Keyan share with Tracey that he should not have?

Keyan should not have shared his cell phone number with Tracey unless he had the permission of a trusted adult. Once she got it, she tried to keep him from his friends by texting him constantly and making him feel bad if he didn’t respond right away.

• 3. What do Tad and Slick think of Tracey’s behavior?

Tad and Slick think it’s weird that Tracey texts Keyan all of the time and gets mad when he doesn’t respond right away. It’s a strange way for a friend to act, but not an online predator. Online predators may try to get kids to ignore their friends and family by demanding that they be available to text, IM, or chat all of the time. No one you meet online should try to keep you from friends and family. If someone does, you should talk to a trusted adult immediately.

• 4. How does Tracey try to convince Keyan to meet offline?

Tracey tries to convince Keyan to meet offline by offering to watch his favorite movie with him. Keyan almost forgets the risks of meeting offline because he is so excited about doing an activity that he likes. This is what online predators want. They may try to convince kids into meeting offline by offering to do fun activities with them or giving them gifts.

• 5. What should Keyan do if he meets “Tracey” online again?

At the end of the video, Keyan realizes that Tracey is not a true friend because she does not support him in doing the right thing. A true friend will not pressure you into doing things that make you uncomfortable, but a fake friend will try to get you to do things for their benefi t. You should always report a “fake” to a trusted adult.