Check immediate safety and deadlines
Decide whether anyone is in danger, whether essential needs are missing, or whether a legal or administrative deadline is close.
Ask Decimus · Online Safety
My child talks to strangers while gaming
Review voice chat, friend requests, reporting tools and agreed family rules.
Start with the outcome.
Use this guide to organise the situation. Click every numbered step for a fuller explanation, practical actions, evidence and a direct Ask Decimus route.
Interactive action route
What to do next
Write down the key facts
Record dates, people involved, what happened, what has already been reported and the outcome you need.
Collect useful evidence
Keep relevant messages, letters, photographs, screenshots, receipts, medical information and reference numbers.
Contact the right service
Use the organisation responsible for the issue and make a clear written request whenever practical.
Ask for the decision in writing
Written reasons make it easier to understand, challenge or escalate an outcome.
Set a review date
Record when a response is due and what escalation route you will use if nothing happens.
Questions to answer
- What happened and when?
- Who is responsible?
- What outcome do you want?
- Is anyone vulnerable or at risk?
- Is there a deadline?
Useful evidence
- A short factual timeline
- Reference numbers and written replies
- Relevant photographs or screenshots
- Costs, receipts or impact evidence
- Names and roles of contacts
Escalation principle
Follow the correct route, keep each message focused, and explain what has changed or remained unresolved. Urgent safety issues may require immediate professional or emergency help.