A nine-year-old was sitting on the sofa, playing a game on their tablet. One of those games where you collect stuff, level up, unlock characters. Then a message appeared on the screen — free rewards, the good ones, the ones you normally have to wait ages for. It looked real. It looked like part of the game.

So they clicked.

They typed in a code. They pressed send. And nothing happened. No reward, but nothing obviously wrong either. So they kept playing.

Later that day, they couldn't log back in. Their password didn't work. They got kicked out of their email. Messages started going out to strangers they'd never spoken to. And then mum checked her bank card — and saw payments she hadn't made.

All of it started with one click. One code.

Mum sent the story to Is This Real because she wanted other kids to hear it. So Daisy — who's also nine — tells it in her own words. She says the thing a lot of grown-ups forget to say: I would have clicked too. Then she explains what a code actually is, why sending one matters so much, and the one simple thing to do the next time something pops up on a screen.

If something like this has already happened to you, or someone you know — you're not in trouble. But tell a parent straight away. It can be fixed. It just has to be fixed fast.

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While many parents feel reassured knowing their children are physically safe at home, the digital world introduces new risks that often go unnoticed. From online grooming through gaming platforms, to sextortion targeting teenagers, cyberbullying in private group chats, and impersonation scams targeting parents, these situations are increasingly being reported across Australia.

In this episode, we walk through real scenarios and explain:

• What these risks actually are
• How they typically unfold
• Why children and parents can both be vulnerable
• Practical steps families can take to reduce risk

We also discuss resources available in Australia, including guidance and reporting support from the eSafety Commissioner.

The goal of this conversation is not to create fear, but to build awareness and encourage open conversations between parents and children about navigating the digital world safely.

Disclaimer

Is This Real is an awareness initiative aimed at helping individuals better understand digital risks and respond thoughtfully to suspicious online situations.

The information shared in this episode is for educational and awareness purposes only and should not be considered legal, cybersecurity, or professional advice.

Listeners should not ignore legitimate communications, responsibilities, or obligations based solely on the discussions in this podcast. If you are unsure about a message, request, or online interaction, you should verify it through trusted channels or seek appropriate professional guidance.

Where serious concerns arise, including threats, exploitation, or financial fraud, please contact the relevant authorities or official reporting bodies such as the eSafety Commissioner, Scamwatch, your financial institution, or local law enforcement.

Together, they explore what gaming feels like from a child’s perspective, why parents worry, how pressure and urgency can show up inside games, and how everyday habits shape the instincts children rely on when parents are not in the room.

This episode is not about fear or restricting technology. It is about understanding, communication, and building confidence — as a family.

Digital safety is not just technical.
It is personal.
And it starts with conversation.

Important Disclaimer

Is This Real is an awareness initiative. The content shared is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

We do not encourage ignoring legitimate communications, responsibilities, or obligations. If you are unsure about a message, request, account activity, or potential scam, seek independent verification and, where necessary, contact your bank, service provider, or a qualified professional for assistance.

If you believe you have been targeted or affected, report the matter to the appropriate authorities and seek professional support promptly.

Pause. Verify. Act.

Takeaways

• Scams are designed to leverage existing trust
• Attackers study how systems work and recreate processes to appear safe
• Victims often feel embarrassed and do not talk about their experiences

Chapters

• 00:00 The Story of a Scam
• 06:11 Understanding Scams and Attackers
• 11:26 Empowering Digital Self-Protection