Secret Lives of Teens Online

About 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.

Publisher

CyberFareedah

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Aug 2026

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Banning Roblox Won't Keep Your Kids Safe Online (Here's Why)

   Will banning Roblox actually keep your kids safe from online predators? Not necessarily. You can ban Roblox, Snapchat, social media, or any online game, but if your child doesn't understand how to recognize unsafe behavior online, removing an app alone won't teach them how to stay safe. Want to protect your kids from online predators without relying on parental controls? I created my $37 mini-course and ready-to-use SAFE Method Talking Scripts to show you exactly what to say to help your kids recognize online predator warning signs, respond when something happens, and build confidence online. Get the course and Talking Scripts here: https://cyberfareedah.samcart.com/products/from-groomed-online-to-forbes-5-steps-from-online-predator-danger-to-teen-empowerment (https://cyberfareedah.samcart.com/products/from-groomed-online-to-forbes-5-steps-from-online-predator-danger-to-teen-empowerment) In this episode of Secret Lives of Teens Online, we're talking about something I wish more parents understood: Banning an app is a decision. Teaching your child how to stay safe is an ongoing conversation. I've spoken with parents who banned an online game only to discover their kids were still using it or had moved to another platform without their knowledge. And I understand why parents want to ban Roblox. There are legitimate concerns about online predators, grooming, and unsafe interactions on gaming platforms. But here's the question: What happens after you ban it? As someone who was groomed online as a child, I know what it's like to grow up with strict technology rules and still find ways around them. In this episode, I share why banning Roblox or other online games isn't a complete online safety plan, how restrictions can sometimes encourage secret online activity, and why it's so important to understand what your child loves about gaming before making decisions about it. We also talk about how to teach kids to recognize online grooming and predatory behavior, why telling kids not to talk to strangers isn't enough, and how parents can build trust so their kids feel comfortable sharing what's happening online. Whether you decide to keep Roblox, ban it, or delay your child's access to online games, I want you to have the tools to help them recognize unsafe behavior and know they can come to you for support. Because protecting kids online isn't about finding one perfect app, rule, or parental control. It's about giving them the skills and support they'll need wherever they go online. 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 (mailto: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 (https://www.instagram.com/cyberfareedah/) and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedahshaheed/) 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 (mailto:support@sekuva.com) or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects (https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects)

2. 

   2 Oct 2026

   Your Teen Isn't As Safe Online As You Think

   Is your teen really safe online, or do you just think they are? Your teen might have great grades, wonderful friends, limited screen time, and no social media accounts. But does that mean they're actually safe online? I was that kid. My parents had strict rules about technology, and from the outside, everything looked great. But behind the scenes, I had an entirely different online life. In this episode of Secret Lives of Teens Online, we're talking about why banning social media, limiting screen time, and installing parental controls aren't enough to protect your kids from online predators and other online threats. Here's something I want every parent to think about: Does your teen tell you about the NORMAL things happening in their online life? Not just when something goes wrong. I'm talking about their favorite YouTube videos, gaming experiences, online friendships, funny conversations, and random things they see on social media. Because if your teen doesn't feel comfortable telling you about the little things, what happens when something serious occurs? I share what my own secret online life looked like, why everyday conversations matter, and how parents can build the kind of trust that makes it easier for their teens to ask for help. We also explore how to move beyond focusing exclusively on online dangers and start helping kids use their online interests to create opportunities for their future. Protecting your kids online isn't only about controlling what they can access. It's also about helping them recognize danger, develop confidence, and know they have trusted adults they can turn to. 💖 NEW: From Groomed Online to Forbes: Five Steps from Online Predator Danger to Teen Empowerment Get my step-by-step mini-course and 1-minute talking scripts to help your kids recognize online predators, know what to do when something happens, and turn their online interests into opportunities. Discover More Here: https://cyberfareedah.samcart.com/products/from-groomed-online-to-forbes-5-steps-from-online-predator-danger-to-teen-empowerment (https://cyberfareedah.samcart.com/products/from-groomed-online-to-forbes-5-steps-from-online-predator-danger-to-teen-empowerment) 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 (mailto: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 (mailto:support@sekuva.com) or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects (https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects)

3. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Does Your Teen Feel More Like Themselves Online Than With You?

   Why do teens hide parts of their online lives from their parents, even when they have loving families? Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as not feeling free to dance. In this episode of Secret Lives of Teens Online, I explain why I genuinely believe dancing can help protect kids online and why not feeling free to fully express myself at home contributed to the secret online life I had as a teen. And when I say "dance," I don't only mean literally dancing. Your teen's version of dancing might be gaming, anime, music, fashion, books, creating videos, being silly, or an interest you simply don't understand. When teens feel like they have to hide the things they love, the internet can become the place where they feel most free to be themselves. That's important for parents to understand because online predators can take advantage of a child's desire for acceptance, belonging, connection, and a place where they feel understood. I also talk about why seeing my mom become more joyful and expressive helped me feel safer being myself around her, why kids sometimes avoid telling parents about difficult experiences because they don't want to burden them, and why protecting kids online requires more than parental controls, monitoring, and knowing the latest apps. Does your teen feel more like themselves online than they do with you? That's the question I want parents to think about after this episode. Because helping kids stay safer online isn't only about teaching them what danger feels like. We also have to help them understand what safety feels like in themselves, in their relationships, and at home. And sometimes, creating more of that safety really can start with dancing. 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 (mailto: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 (https://www.instagram.com/cyberfareedah/) and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedahshaheed/) 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 (mailto:support@sekuva.com) or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects (https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects)

4. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Parents, Stop Trying to Keep Up With Every App Your Teen Uses

   Do parents need to keep up with every app, slang term, social media platform, and online trend to keep their teens safe online? No. And trying to keep up with everything may be distracting you from something much more important: understanding your teen. In this episode of Secret Lives of Teens Online, I’m talking about why parents don’t need to become experts on every new app or game their teen uses. Instead, I want you to understand how your teen actually experiences the internet, why they love being online, who they spend time with, what those relationships mean to them, and whether they feel safe talking to you about what happens there. Because your teen’s online life is part of their real life. Their online friendships are real relationships. Their feelings are real. The support, belonging, love, fun, rejection, fear, and excitement they experience online can affect them offline too. And if we want teens to understand that online dangers are real, we also have to acknowledge that the things they love about being online are real. I also talk about why teens communicate with people while gaming, why simply telling teens not to make friends online can fall short, and how dismissing their online world can make it harder to have meaningful conversations about safe and unsafe relationships, online grooming, sextortion, and predators. You don’t have to love every platform your teen uses. You don’t have to understand every trend. And you definitely don’t have to learn every new piece of teen slang. But if you want to protect your teen online, get curious about their world before trying to control it. 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 (mailto: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 (https://www.instagram.com/cyberfareedah/) and send me a message with your thoughts on the podcast! You can also connect with me on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedahshaheed/) 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 (mailto:support@sekuva.com) or submit a booking request here: https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects (https://www.cyberfareedah.com/projects)

5. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Stop Telling Your Teen They Can Tell You Anything That Happens Online

   Host Fareedah Shaheed shares how parents can foster trust so teens feel safe discussing online experiences, revealing that reactions to mistakes matter more than simply saying "you can tell me anything."

6. 

   3 Sept 2026

   I Was Groomed Online as a Teen. Here is What You Should Know

   CyberFareedah shares her personal experience of being groomed online as a teen, revealing how predators exploit connection and belonging to gain trust.

7. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Should Kids Be Banned From Social Media Until 16? My Problem With This Parenting Advice

   Host Fareedah Shaheed explores how parents should prepare teens for online life by teaching essential safety skills rather than solely delaying social media access.

8. 

   20 Aug 2026

   What Does Online Grooming Actually Look Like? The Red Flags I Missed as a Teen

   Host Fareedah Shaheed shares her personal experience with online grooming, offering parents crucial insights into recognizing red flags and fostering open communication with teens.

9. 

   14 Aug 2026

   Your Voice Matters: Share Your Secret Life Online | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep. 4

   CyberFareedah invites teens to share their online experiences, fostering a safe space for understanding the complexities of growing up digital.

10. 

    14 Aug 2026

    Why I’m Finally Telling My Story of Online Grooming | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep. 3

    CyberFareedah shares her personal journey of online grooming and offers parents the SAFE Method for fostering open conversations about digital safety.

11. 

    14 Aug 2026

    She Stopped Me From Meeting an Online Predator | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep.2

    Teenager Fareedah Shaheed shares how her mother's calm conversation prevented her from meeting an online predator, offering insights into grooming prevention and communication.

12. 

    14 Aug 2026

    Why Teens Hide Their Online Lives From Parents | Secret Lives of Teens Online Ep.1

    CyberFareedah shares her personal journey and explores why teens hide their online lives, offering parents guidance for open conversations about digital safety.

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