<![CDATA[Secret Lives of Teens Online]]>Secret Lives of Teens Online exposes real life stories of teens, who everyday navigate a terrifying online world hiding in the shadows of secrecy...often right at home beneath the protection of their own parents.

Online predators, secret romances, and sextortion, all are threats reaching teens through their own smartphones and anywhere there is an internet connection.

Hosted by CyberFareedah, award-winning internet safety expert and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.

]]>https://www.cyberfareedah.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sat, 05 Sep 2026 20:37:53 GMTWed, 12 Aug 2026 22:17:19 GMT60CyberFareedah<p><b>Secret Lives of Teens Online exposes real life stories of teens, who everyday navigate a terrifying online world hiding in the shadows of secrecy...often right at home beneath the protection of their own parents.</b></p><p></p><p><b>Online predators, secret romances, and sextortion, all are threats reaching teens through their own smartphones and anywhere there is an internet connection.</b></p><p></p><p><b>Hosted by CyberFareedah, award-winning internet safety expert and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.</b></p>episodicCyberFareedahcyberfareedah@gmail.comno<![CDATA[I Was Groomed Online as a Teen. Here is What You Should Know ]]>How are teens groomed online, even when they have loving, involved parents?

I was groomed online as a teen by multiple adults, even though my parents did many of the things parents are told to do to keep their kids safe.

This episode is different from my usual episodes. It started as a private voice note to my coach about why I became an internet safety expert. But as I started talking, I ended up telling the fuller story of my childhood, my secret online life, the grooming I experienced, and the conversation with my mother that changed everything.

For me, online grooming didn’t start with someone who seemed dangerous. It started with belonging, acceptance, shared interests, attention, attraction, and feeling understood.

The internet had become a safe space where I could connect with people who loved the same things I did. Predators were able to use some of the very things I loved about being online to build trust, test my boundaries, and eventually ask for things I wasn’t comfortable with.

And I hid much of it from my parents.

Not because they didn’t love me. Not because they didn’t care. And not because they weren’t trying to protect me.

I was terrified that telling them the truth would mean losing the phone, internet access, relationships, and online world that meant so much to me.

In this episode, I talk about what online grooming actually felt like from my perspective as a teen, why kids can become vulnerable even in loving families, why connection and belonging matter in grooming prevention, and how my mother created a safe enough space for me to reconsider meeting a man in his 40s whom I had met online.

I also share how I eventually realized that what happened to me was grooming, how those experiences led to the work I do today, and why I created Secret Lives of Teens Online.

If you’re a parent wondering how online predators groom teens or why a child might hide an unsafe online relationship, I hope my story helps you understand the part of online grooming we don’t talk about enough:

What the child is getting from the relationship matters, too.

Want to share your story? If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: slotopodcast@gmail.com. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.

Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram: @CyberFareedah and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥

Want to work with me? If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at support@sekuva.com or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects

Need support protecting your teen online? Join my Protect Kids Online Membership and get your first 7 days free here: https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about


Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!

]]>b3bd8689-0a9c-4bbb-9fd0-027f7dbeb983Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:31:36 GMT<p><b>How are teens groomed online, even when they have loving, involved parents?</b></p><p></p><p>I was groomed online as a teen by multiple adults, even though my parents did many of the things parents are told to do to keep their kids safe.</p><p></p><p>This episode is different from my usual episodes. It started as a private voice note to my coach about why I became an internet safety expert. But as I started talking, I ended up telling the fuller story of my childhood, my secret online life, the grooming I experienced, and the conversation with my mother that changed everything.</p><p></p><p>For me, online grooming didn’t start with someone who seemed dangerous. It started with belonging, acceptance, shared interests, attention, attraction, and feeling understood.</p><p></p><p>The internet had become a safe space where I could connect with people who loved the same things I did. Predators were able to use some of the very things I loved about being online to build trust, test my boundaries, and eventually ask for things I wasn’t comfortable with.</p><p>And I hid much of it from my parents.</p><p></p><p>Not because they didn’t love me. Not because they didn’t care. And not because they weren’t trying to protect me.</p><p></p><p>I was terrified that telling them the truth would mean losing the phone, internet access, relationships, and online world that meant so much to me.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, I talk about what online grooming actually felt like from my perspective as a teen, why kids can become vulnerable even in loving families, why connection and belonging matter in grooming prevention, and how my mother created a safe enough space for me to reconsider meeting a man in his 40s whom I had met online.</p><p></p><p>I also share how I eventually realized that what happened to me was grooming, how those experiences led to the work I do today, and why I created <i>Secret Lives of Teens Online</i>.</p><p></p><p>If you’re a parent wondering how online predators groom teens or why a child might hide an unsafe online relationship, I hope my story helps you understand the part of online grooming we don’t talk about enough:</p><p><b>What the child is getting from the relationship matters, too.</b></p><p></p><p><b>Want to share your story?</b> If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:slotopodcast@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>slotopodcast@gmail.com</b></a>. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.</p><p></p><p><b>Want to connect?</b> Follow me on Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/cyberfareedah/" target="_blank"> <b>@CyberFareedah</b></a> and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedahshaheed/" target="_blank"> connect with me on LinkedIn</a> or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥</p><p></p><p><b>Want to work with me?</b> If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:support@sekuva.com" target="_blank"><b>support@sekuva.com</b></a> or submit a booking request here:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects" target="_blank"> https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects</a></p><p></p><p><b>Need support protecting your teen online?</b> Join my <b>Protect Kids Online Membership</b> and get your first 7 days free here:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about" target="_blank"> https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about</a></p><p><br />Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!</p>no00:48:2617I Was Groomed Online as a Teen. Here is What You Should Know full<![CDATA[Should Kids Be Banned From Social Media Until 16? My Problem With This Parenting Advice]]>Should kids be banned from social media until they’re 16?

I think we’re asking the wrong question.

I believe delaying social media can absolutely be part of protecting kids online. But simply keeping your child off Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or another platform until a certain age doesn’t automatically prepare them for what happens when they eventually get online.

In this episode of Secret Lives of Teens Online, I explain why I think parents should wait as long as makes sense for their child before introducing social media while ALSO using that time to teach the skills they’ll need once they have access.

Because your child’s online world is much bigger than the apps we traditionally call “social media.”

Kids communicate through online games, Discord, shared documents, playlists, messaging features, AI chatbots, and platforms adults may not even think of as social media. New apps and technologies will continue to appear, which is why protecting kids online can’t depend on banning every potentially risky platform.

Instead, we need to prepare kids to navigate them.

We talk about how parents can help kids recognize safe and unsafe people, trust their gut when something feels wrong, navigate uncomfortable situations, identify trusted adults, develop self-confidence, and feel safe enough to tell you what’s actually happening online.

I also explain why your teen’s perspective matters even when you ultimately make the decision as the parent.

If we want kids to understand that their voice matters, that their “no” matters, and that they can speak up when someone makes them uncomfortable, we also have to create spaces where their opinions are heard at home.

So should you wait before giving your child social media? I think waiting as long as possible can be a great choice.

But don’t just wait.

Prepare them while you wait.

Because eventually the platform will change, the technology will change, and your child will get older. The safety skills, communication, connection, and trust you build with them can go wherever they go.

Want to share your story? If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: slotopodcast@gmail.com. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.


Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram: @CyberFareedah and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ 


Want to work with me? If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at support@sekuva.com or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects 


Need support protecting your teen online? Join my Protect Kids Online Membership and get your first 7 days free here: https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about

Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead!

]]>3bd2b252-6cd4-4952-a0d7-453ef8561c4aThu, 27 Aug 2026 20:27:53 GMT<p>Should kids be banned from social media until they’re 16?</p><p></p><p>I think we’re asking the wrong question.</p><p></p><p>I believe delaying social media can absolutely be part of protecting kids online. But simply keeping your child off Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or another platform until a certain age doesn’t automatically prepare them for what happens when they eventually get online.</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>Secret Lives of Teens Online</i>, I explain why I think parents should wait as long as makes sense for their child before introducing social media while ALSO using that time to teach the skills they’ll need once they have access.</p><p></p><p>Because your child’s online world is much bigger than the apps we traditionally call “social media.”</p><p></p><p>Kids communicate through online games, Discord, shared documents, playlists, messaging features, AI chatbots, and platforms adults may not even think of as social media. New apps and technologies will continue to appear, which is why protecting kids online can’t depend on banning every potentially risky platform.</p><p></p><p>Instead, we need to prepare kids to navigate them.</p><p></p><p>We talk about how parents can help kids recognize safe and unsafe people, trust their gut when something feels wrong, navigate uncomfortable situations, identify trusted adults, develop self-confidence, and feel safe enough to tell you what’s actually happening online.</p><p></p><p>I also explain why your teen’s perspective matters even when you ultimately make the decision as the parent.</p><p></p><p>If we want kids to understand that their voice matters, that their “no” matters, and that they can speak up when someone makes them uncomfortable, we also have to create spaces where their opinions are heard at home.</p><p></p><p>So should you wait before giving your child social media? I think waiting as long as possible can be a great choice.</p><p></p><p>But don’t just wait.</p><p></p><p><b>Prepare them while you wait.</b></p><p></p><p>Because eventually the platform will change, the technology will change, and your child will get older. The safety skills, communication, connection, and trust you build with them can go wherever they go.<br /><br /><b>Want to share your story? </b>If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:slotopodcast@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>slotopodcast@gmail.com</b></a>. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Want to connect? </b>Follow me on Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/cyberfareedah/" target="_blank"> <b>@CyberFareedah</b></a> and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedahshaheed/" target="_blank">connect with me on LinkedIn</a> or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Want to work with me? </b>If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:support@sekuva.com" target="_blank"><b>support@sekuva.com</b></a> or submit a booking request here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects" target="_blank">https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects</a> </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Need support protecting your teen online? </b>Join my <b>Protect Kids Online Membership</b> and get your first 7 days free here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about" target="_blank">https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about</a> </p><p></p><p>Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead! </p><p></p>no00:15:0716Should Kids Be Banned From Social Media Until 16? My Problem With This Parenting Advicefull<![CDATA[What Does Online Grooming Actually Look Like? The Red Flags I Missed as a Teen]]>Online grooming doesn’t always feel scary to a teen. At first, it can feel like friendship, connection, acceptance, and finally finding someone who understands you.

So how does online grooming actually start? And how can parents recognize the warning signs before their teen realizes something is wrong?

In this episode of Secret Lives of Teens Online, I share what being groomed online actually felt like for me as a teen, including the early warning signs I didn’t recognize at the time.

I talk about how online predators can slowly test a teen’s boundaries by moving conversations from public games into private chats, asking for secrecy, sending unexpected photos, offering gifts, trying to get personal information like an address, or telling a teen things like, “You’re so mature for your age.”

I also break down one of the most important things parents can do if they discover their teen is talking to someone unsafe online: meet them where they are before trying to convince them that the person is dangerous.

Because if your teen feels connected to someone online, immediately calling that person a predator or “bad person” may make your teen feel judged for liking them and cause them to stop talking to you.

Instead, we’ll talk about how parents can create the kind of safe, nonjudgmental relationship that makes it easier for teens to recognize when an online relationship starts making them uncomfortable and come to you when something doesn’t feel right.

We also explore the SAFE Method, including how Safe Spaces and Accountability can help parents build trust, navigate mistakes, and have more open conversations with their teens about online grooming, gaming, social media, online relationships, and internet safety.

Want to share your story? If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: slotopodcast@gmail.com. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.


Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram: @CyberFareedah and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ 


Want to work with me? If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at support@sekuva.com or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects 


Need support protecting your teen online? Join my Protect Kids Online Membership and get your first 7 days free here: https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about

Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!

]]>0eb5a5e1-bd1c-450b-9f4f-d518e6a79bd0Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>Online grooming doesn’t always feel scary to a teen. At first, it can feel like friendship, connection, acceptance, and finally finding someone who understands you.</p><p></p><p>So how does online grooming actually start? And how can parents recognize the warning signs before their teen realizes something is wrong?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>Secret Lives of Teens Online</i>, I share what being groomed online actually felt like for me as a teen, including the early warning signs I didn’t recognize at the time.</p><p></p><p>I talk about how online predators can slowly test a teen’s boundaries by moving conversations from public games into private chats, asking for secrecy, sending unexpected photos, offering gifts, trying to get personal information like an address, or telling a teen things like, “You’re so mature for your age.”</p><p></p><p>I also break down one of the most important things parents can do if they discover their teen is talking to someone unsafe online: <b>meet them where they are before trying to convince them that the person is dangerous.</b></p><p></p><p>Because if your teen feels connected to someone online, immediately calling that person a predator or “bad person” may make your teen feel judged for liking them and cause them to stop talking to you.</p><p></p><p>Instead, we’ll talk about how parents can create the kind of safe, nonjudgmental relationship that makes it easier for teens to recognize when an online relationship starts making them uncomfortable and come to you when something doesn’t feel right.</p><p></p><p>We also explore the SAFE Method, including how Safe Spaces and Accountability can help parents build trust, navigate mistakes, and have more open conversations with their teens about online grooming, gaming, social media, online relationships, and internet safety.</p><p></p><p><b>Want to share your story? </b>If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:slotopodcast@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>slotopodcast@gmail.com</b></a>. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Want to connect? </b>Follow me on Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/cyberfareedah/" target="_blank"> <b>@CyberFareedah</b></a> and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedahshaheed/" target="_blank">connect with me on LinkedIn</a> or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Want to work with me? </b>If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:support@sekuva.com" target="_blank"><b>support@sekuva.com</b></a> or submit a booking request here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects" target="_blank">https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects</a> </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Need support protecting your teen online? </b>Join my <b>Protect Kids Online Membership</b> and get your first 7 days free here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about" target="_blank">https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about</a></p><p>Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!</p>no00:31:3615What Does Online Grooming Actually Look Like? The Red Flags I Missed as a Teenfull<![CDATA[Your Voice Matters: Share Your Secret Life Online | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep. 4]]>Your story matters and I want to hear it.

In this episode, I invite you to share your experiences growing up online, including the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful parts of your digital life.

Maybe you formed a lifelong friendship through an online game. Maybe you lived a double life, experienced online grooming, or faced predatory behavior or exploitation. Whatever your story, you deserve a safe space to be heard.

The Secret Lives of Teens Online podcast begins with my story (a teeny tiny piece...more to come later lol), but it does not end there. Protecting teens online requires all of us(parents, teens, educators, technology companies, lawmakers, and communities) to listen, learn, and take responsibility for what is within our control.

If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: slotopodcast@gmail.com. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.

Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram: @CyberFareedah and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ 

Want to work with me? If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at support@sekuva.com or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects 

Need support protecting your teen online? Join my Protect Kids Online Membership and get your first 7 days free here: https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about

Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!

]]>5a63a5c8-968a-45ef-86d5-16860f7f18b6Fri, 14 Aug 2026 01:34:02 GMT<p>Your story matters and I want to hear it.</p><p> </p><p>In this episode, I invite you to share your experiences growing up online, including the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful parts of your digital life. </p><p></p><p>Maybe you formed a lifelong friendship through an online game. Maybe you lived a double life, experienced online grooming, or faced predatory behavior or exploitation. Whatever your story, you deserve a safe space to be heard.</p><p></p><p>The <i>Secret Lives of Teens Online</i> podcast begins with my story (a teeny tiny piece...more to come later lol), but it does not end there. Protecting teens online requires all of us(parents, teens, educators, technology companies, lawmakers, and communities) to listen, learn, and take responsibility for what is within our control.<br /></p><p>If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:slotopodcast@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>slotopodcast@gmail.com</b></a>. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.</p><p></p><p><b>Want to connect? </b>Follow me on Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/cyberfareedah/" target="_blank"> <b>@CyberFareedah</b></a> and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedahshaheed/" target="_blank">connect with me on LinkedIn</a> or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ <br /></p><p><b>Want to work with me? </b>If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:support@sekuva.com" target="_blank"><b>support@sekuva.com</b></a> or submit a booking request here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects" target="_blank">https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects</a> </p><p></p><p><b>Need support protecting your teen online? </b>Join my <b>Protect Kids Online Membership</b> and get your first 7 days free here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about" target="_blank">https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about</a></p><p>Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!</p>no00:06:1214Your Voice Matters: Share Your Secret Life Online | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep. 4full<![CDATA[Why I’m Finally Telling My Story of Online Grooming | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep. 3]]>Why am I finally sharing my story of being groomed online as a child?

In this episode, I explain what led me to speak publicly about the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful parts of my secret life online. I reflect on the guilt and shame I carried, the memories I buried, and the safe spaces that helped me understand I was not alone...and that what happened was not my fault.

I also explore why parents need to show up as human beings, share age-appropriate stories with their children, and create honest conversations about online grooming, social media, gaming, and digital safety. Through my SAFE Method (Safe Spaces, Accountability, Fun, and Empathy) I talk about how openness, self-compassion, and connection can help teens and parents feel safer sharing what often goes unsaid.

Want to share your story? If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: slotopodcast@gmail.com. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.

Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram: @CyberFareedah and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ 

Want to work with me? If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at support@sekuva.com or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects 

Need support protecting your teen online? Join my Protect Kids Online Membership and get your first 7 days free here: https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about

Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!


]]>d6af847b-5612-405b-bfe3-ec7eb5976caaFri, 14 Aug 2026 01:20:41 GMT<p>Why am I finally sharing my story of being groomed online as a child?</p><p></p><p>In this episode, I explain what led me to speak publicly about the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful parts of my secret life online. I reflect on the guilt and shame I carried, the memories I buried, and the safe spaces that helped me understand I was not alone...and that what happened was not my fault.</p><p></p><p>I also explore why parents need to show up as human beings, share age-appropriate stories with their children, and create honest conversations about online grooming, social media, gaming, and digital safety. Through my SAFE Method (Safe Spaces, Accountability, Fun, and Empathy) I talk about how openness, self-compassion, and connection can help teens and parents feel safer sharing what often goes unsaid.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Want to share your story? </b>If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:slotopodcast@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>slotopodcast@gmail.com</b></a>. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.</p><p></p><p><b>Want to connect? </b>Follow me on Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/cyberfareedah/" target="_blank"><b> @CyberFareedah</b></a> and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedahshaheed/" target="_blank"><b>connect with me on LinkedIn</b></a> or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ </p><p></p><p><b>Want to work with me? </b>If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:support@sekuva.com" target="_blank"><b>support@sekuva.com</b></a> or submit a booking request here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects" target="_blank"><b>https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects</b></a> </p><p></p><p><b>Need support protecting your teen online? </b>Join my <b>Protect Kids Online Membership</b> and get your first 7 days free here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about" target="_blank"><b>https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about</b></a></p><p>Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!</p><p><br /></p>no00:19:2513Why I’m Finally Telling My Story of Online Grooming | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep. 3full<![CDATA[She Stopped Me From Meeting an Online Predator | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep.2]]>At 16, I was preparing to leave home and meet a man I had met through an online game. I had been talking to him for months, and although some of his behavior made me uncomfortable, I didn’t fully understand that I was being groomed.

Then I told my mother.

In this episode, I share the conversation that became the beginning of the end of my double life online. Instead of reacting with anger, punishment, or fear, my mother stayed calm, asked thoughtful questions, and made me feel safe enough to keep talking. That conversation helped me recognize the manipulation I had been experiencing and ultimately kept me from meeting an online predator.

I also explore how this moment shaped my approach to online grooming prevention, parent-teen communication, and the SAFE Method: Safe Spaces, Accountability, Fun, and Empathy.

Want to share your story? If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: slotopodcast@gmail.com. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.

Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram: @CyberFareedah and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ 

Want to work with me? If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at support@sekuva.com or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects 

Need support protecting your teen online? Join my Protect Kids Online Membership and get your first 7 days free here: https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about

Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!


]]>b76d0ff7-b817-4928-83ba-ad7812b545a2Fri, 14 Aug 2026 01:11:17 GMT<p>At 16, I was preparing to leave home and meet a man I had met through an online game. I had been talking to him for months, and although some of his behavior made me uncomfortable, I didn’t fully understand that I was being groomed.</p><p></p><p>Then I told my mother.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, I share the conversation that became the beginning of the end of my double life online. Instead of reacting with anger, punishment, or fear, my mother stayed calm, asked thoughtful questions, and made me feel safe enough to keep talking. That conversation helped me recognize the manipulation I had been experiencing and ultimately kept me from meeting an online predator.</p><p></p><p>I also explore how this moment shaped my approach to online grooming prevention, parent-teen communication, and the SAFE Method: Safe Spaces, Accountability, Fun, and Empathy.</p><p></p><p><b>Want to share your story? </b>If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:slotopodcast@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>slotopodcast@gmail.com</b></a>. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.</p><p></p><p><b>Want to connect? </b>Follow me on Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/cyberfareedah/" target="_blank"><b> @CyberFareedah</b></a> and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedahshaheed/" target="_blank"><b>connect with me on LinkedIn</b></a> or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ </p><p></p><p><b>Want to work with me? </b>If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:support@sekuva.com" target="_blank"><b>support@sekuva.com</b></a> or submit a booking request here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects" target="_blank"><b>https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects</b></a> </p><p></p><p><b>Need support protecting your teen online? </b>Join my <b>Protect Kids Online Membership</b> and get your first 7 days free here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about" target="_blank"><b>https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about</b></a></p><p>Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!</p><p><br /></p>no00:29:2112She Stopped Me From Meeting an Online Predator | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep.2full<![CDATA[Why Teens Hide Their Online Lives From Parents | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep.1]]>Why do teens hide parts of their online lives from their parents...even when they are loved, supported, and cared for?

In this first episode, I (CyberFareedah) share my personal story of living a double life online, being groomed as a child, and feeling unable to talk to my parents about what I was experiencing. I explore why traditional internet safety conversations can make teens feel judged, monitored, or misunderstood and how parents can create more honest, connected conversations about social media, gaming, online relationships, and digital safety.

This episode is an invitation for teens, preteens, and parents to listen together and begin talking about what often goes unsaid.

Want to share your story? If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: slotopodcast@gmail.com. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.

Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram: @CyberFareedah and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ 

Want to work with me? If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at support@sekuva.com or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects 

Need support protecting your teen online? Join my Protect Kids Online Membership and get your first 7 days free here: https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about

Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!

]]>f784679f-162f-4ccc-b5a2-b088b46c4331Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:36:53 GMT<p>Why do teens hide parts of their online lives from their parents...even when they are loved, supported, and cared for?</p><p></p><p>In this first episode, I (CyberFareedah) share my personal story of living a double life online, being groomed as a child, and feeling unable to talk to my parents about what I was experiencing. I explore why traditional internet safety conversations can make teens feel judged, monitored, or misunderstood and how parents can create more honest, connected conversations about social media, gaming, online relationships, and digital safety.</p><p></p><p>This episode is an invitation for teens, preteens, and parents to listen together and begin talking about what often goes unsaid.<br /><br /></p><p><b>Want to share your story? </b>If you want to share your experience growing up online (the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful), you can email me at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:slotopodcast@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>slotopodcast@gmail.com</b></a>. You can share your story anonymously in writing or ask about participating in a video interview.</p><p></p><p><b>Want to connect? </b>Follow me on Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/cyberfareedah/" target="_blank"><b> @CyberFareedah</b></a> and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedahshaheed/" target="_blank"><b>connect with me on LinkedIn</b></a> or wherever else you spend your time online! I’m CyberFareedah everywhere ♥ </p><p></p><p><b>Want to work with me? </b>If you’re interested in a workshop, speaking engagement, partnership, or other project, email me at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:support@sekuva.com" target="_blank"><b>support@sekuva.com</b></a> or submit a booking request here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects" target="_blank"><b>https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects</b></a> </p><p></p><p><b>Need support protecting your teen online? </b>Join my <b>Protect Kids Online Membership</b> and get your first 7 days free here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about" target="_blank"><b>https://www.skool.com/protect-kids-online-membership-4029/about</b></a></p><p>Major kudos to you for joining the moms staying ahead of the game!</p>no00:20:2111Why Teens Hide Their Online Lives From Parents | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep.1full