GroomingIs “Smurf account” something to worry about? More Grooming terms
Smurf account
Risk flagA secondary account created by someone (often an adult) to appear younger or less experienced. In gaming, it's a skilled player using a low-level account. In social contexts, it can be used to interact with minors while hiding their true identity or age, making it a potential safety concern.
How kids use it
On TikTok, Instagram, or Discord; someone creating a "fresh" account to befriend younger users
Yes — take "Smurf account" 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 →