How Parents Can Talk to Children About Scams

By K Publisher, based on ScamAlert Junior by Ts. Lukas J. Tan · Published 7 October 2026

Start with one habit, not a list of rules

Children meet messages, games, giveaways and strangers online long before they know the word "scam". A long list of rules is hard to remember at the moment it matters. ScamAlert Junior teaches one three-step habit instead: Perlahan, Tanya, Beritahu, which means slow down, ask, tell.

1. Slow down (Perlahan). An instant offer or a "last chance" message wants a quick reaction. Teach children that feeling rushed is itself a warning sign.
2. Ask (Tanya). Before clicking, sharing personal information or paying for anything, ask a trusted adult.
3. Tell (Beritahu). If something already happened, tell the family. Telling early is what keeps small mistakes small.

Make it safe to tell you

Children hide mistakes when they expect to be scolded. In the comics, when a character makes a mistake nobody says "you failed". Someone says "let's check it together". The aim is to help without shaming, so a child feels brave enough to speak up. Parents can do the same: thank the child for telling you first, then work out what to do together.

Use stories and everyday situations

Children learn habits from characters and situations they recognise more readily than from definitions. Talk about a game prize that needs a password, a message from a "friend" asking for a favour, or an offer that disappears if you do not act now, and ask "what would you do?" before you give the answer.

Let the learning travel both ways

ScamAlert Junior is two books for a reason. Book 1 helps children protect themselves and their friends. Book 2 helps them protect their family and build trust through communication, so a child can bring a scam-awareness conversation to a parent, grandparent, sibling or teacher. Many older family members are targeted by scams too, and a child who explains the habit can be the one who starts the conversation.

Questions

What age is ScamAlert Junior for?

Children aged about 10 to 12, which is Darjah 4 to 6 in Malaysian primary schools. The comics are in Bahasa Malaysia.

What is Perlahan, Tanya, Beritahu?

Slow down, Ask, Tell. It is the three-step habit taught in ScamAlert Junior: slow down when something online feels urgent, ask a trusted person, and tell your family.

For adults, see eight habits that protect you from scams.