While abusers may attempt to bribe young children with toys or candy, when it involves older children it can become more complex. Let your children know to be wary of anyone that offers them something for no reason (not a birthday/holiday). It could be a gift, money, a ride in a car, letting them play with a “cool” toy, etc. If their gut is telling them something, they should say no and tell you.

For older children, it could be a bribe that doubles as blackmail, like alcohol or drugs, where the child may fear telling someone that they’ve been abused because they are just as afraid they’ll get into trouble for doing something they know they shouldn’t have.

Let your children know that you are aware of this ploy, and even if they’re afraid that you’ll get mad, you care more about their safety and that you love them more than anyone who would threaten or blackmail them.