To not want one of DS's "friends" to have our address?

[edgreez]

DS enjoys gaming on his console. He does have limited access (just want to point that out). He has a few friends that he doesn't know in real life that he plays with. He wants to send a small present (he lives in Germany) and the boy wants to send one back too. I'm really not keen on this.

AIBU?

Of course you're not being unreasonable. You have NO idea who this person really is, and neither does your son. A talk about internet safety is in order.

Or you could assume it's innocent and have the present forwarded to a convenient work address in both instances c/o DC. You can be careful and get around these issues.

What do you think they are going to do with your address?

Come and stalk you?

Try to abuse your son? What’s your thoughts on pen pals?

If you are worried, arrange for it to be sent to another address.

Do you think the other person is a genuine boy of same age or a creepy adult pretending to be a kid?

Could he send it to one of those parcel pick up places at a local shop?

Holw old is your son? I ask because, if you could see a parent - perhaps via skype, you may feel a little more comfortable. Remember years ago we were encouraged to have penpals but admittedly way way before internet fraud.

No I wouldn’t be happy with this. Could be anyone, as far as you know it could be a groomer.
It’s not worth the risk. I’d send a care of address and nothing more, and I’d have a chat with him about internet safety xx

It’s probably all very innocent. However I would not alllow this. Believe it or not but I know someone who was in a online relationship from some guy in the US. They met by gaming. She broke up with him and he flew all the way to England to kill her. He managed to stab her but luckily she didn’t die. He knew her address as he sent presents to her.

@Butterflycookie really? Is that true? What happened to the guy? That's awful!!!

I wouldn't have a problem with this but I would keep an eye on what was received.

@rainbowquackwww.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/shane-coffey-jailed-life-attempted-8151335.amp

Omg!!!! That's awful!!!

Does he speak to him with mic and headphones?

@edgreez

I think that would certainly be enough to put me off!!!!!!!

What a very sad story and a courageous brother.