Alyssa, 14, has been talking to an online friend named Kai for months. They met in an art community, share the same interests, and even video chat sometimes. With all they have in common, Alyssa feels closer to Kai than anyone at school. One day, Kai messages:“I’m visiting your city next weekend—want to meet at the mall? My mom can be there too.” Alyssa is excited… but nervous. She trusts Kai, but she’s also heard warnings about meeting online friends in real life. Telling her parents might mean they say no—or worse, make her stop talking to Kai altogether. She could go and not say anything. It might be fine. But what if it’s not?
Alyssa is 14 years old and spends most of her free time drawing, gaming, and chatting in online art communities. She’s shy at school and doesn’t have many close friends in person, but online, it’s different. The stakes are much lower, she doesn’t agonize over every little thing. After all, she doesn’t actually know anyone she talks to. That’s where she met “Kai.”
Kai is 15, lives in another state, and shares Alyssa’s love for digital art and indie games. They’ve been chatting almost daily for the past seven months—sharing drawings, giving feedback, even video chatting occasionally. Alyssa feels like Kai knows her better than most people in her real life. They joke around, talk about personal stuff, and support each other through tough days.
One day, Kai messages her:
"Hey, my cousin’s birthday is next weekend, and it’s in your city. I’ll be there with my parents. Do you wanna meet up at the mall for like an hour or two? Totally safe—my mom can be there if you want."
Alyssa freezes. Part of her is thrilled. This could be her first time meeting someone who really gets her. But another part of her hesitates. She’s heard warnings in school about meeting online friends in real life. Still, Kai doesn’t seem sketchy—they’ve FaceTimed, and Kai even showed her their dog and bedroom.
She considers telling her parents—but what if they say no right away? What if they make her delete her accounts or never talk to Kai again? It would feel like losing one of the few real friendships she has.
Alyssa stares at her phone.
She trusts Kai… doesn’t she?
If she goes without telling anyone, it might be fine—and she’d finally get to meet her best friend. But what if something goes wrong? What if Kai isn’t who they say they are?
If she tells an adult, they might not understand. They might not even listen.
The mall meetup is only a week away.
What should Alyssa do?