GroomingIs “Age-faking” something to worry about? More Grooming terms
Age-faking
Risk flagWhen someone misrepresents their age online—either older or younger than they really are. Younger teens may claim to be older to access restricted platforms or features; adults may claim to be younger to target minors.
How kids use it
Common practice on dating apps, Discord servers, and age-gated games
Yes — take "Age-faking" seriously. Terms in this category show up in contact between kids and people trying to exploit them. Seeing it in your kid's messages doesn't prove the worst, but it warrants a calm look at who they're talking to.
- Don’t confront in anger — ask who they’re talking to online, and look together.
- If an unknown adult is involved: screenshot everything, block, and report it to the platform — and to the NCMEC CyberTipline (CyberTipline.org) if anything sexual was requested or sent.
- Run a 30-second check on the apps involved Is it safe? checker →