Children and teenagers of today are increasingly immersed in the online world. According to a recent study, teenagers spend over eight and a half hours per day online outside of school, while younger children average five hours of screen time each day. With the digital landscape becoming an integral part of their lives, it is crucial that they possess the knowledge to navigate the internet safely.

However, as new technologies emerge, new challenges arise. Tablets, iPads, and various wearable tech devices introduce unique risks that parents must be vigilant about before granting their children access to such technology.

In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the internet and delve into the potential threats that children may encounter online. Our goal is to equip parents with the necessary information to ensure the well-being and security of their children in the digital realm.

How Kids and Teens Utilize Technology

Understanding your child’s device usage is crucial for ensuring their online safety.

Smartphones

Smartphones have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives – you may even be reading this article on one right now! They provide independent internet access through 4G or 5G networks, with operating systems that prioritize app usage. However, there are also smartphones designed specifically for kids that offer limited or no internet access, focusing instead on calls, texts, and media consumption.

Wearables

Smartwatches and other wearable devices are great alternatives to smartphones. Many wearables are designed with children in mind, aiming to promote movement and physical activity. A child-friendly smartwatch allows your child to make calls, send texts, track their daily steps, and manage their tasks on the go.

Tablets

Tablet computers, similar to smartphones, offer mobility but with more processing power. However, they often rely on Wi-Fi connectivity rather than data usage. This accessibility to the internet and various apps brings the potential risk of exposing children to harmful content.

Computers

As children progress through school, desktop computers and laptops become commonplace. Many young individuals primarily use their computers for academic purposes and video gaming. It’s crucial to be aware of the associated risks when using computers, especially at school.

Managing Screen Time

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology, it is important to establish healthy boundaries around screen time for children above the age of six, while minimizing non-educational screen usage as much as possible. For young children under the age of five, it is recommended to limit screen time altogether. Excessive screen time can lead to mood swings, disrupted sleep, and social withdrawal from family and friends.

To foster your child’s love for learning, consider utilizing high-quality educational apps and services. Additionally, your local library may offer ebook and audiobook rental apps, providing free resources for your child’s educational journey. By proactively setting limits on screen time, you can help your child establish healthy boundaries as they grow and prevent the potential risks of technology addiction.

Popular Apps Kids Are Using

Here are some widely-used social media apps that your child might be using.

TikTok

TikTok is a popular video-sharing app among teenagers and kids. Users can create short videos ranging from fifteen seconds to three minutes in length. However, the app has faced criticism for being addictive, as its algorithm is designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible. Additionally, TikTok has been associated with harmful content and poses risks of child grooming, making it unsafe for children.

Instagram

Instagram is a photo-sharing app that also supports video content. Owned by Meta, this platform allows users to share selfies, landscapes, and other photos they wish to showcase. As of 2023, it remains the most popular app among influencers. However, it is important to note that Instagram can contribute to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy social comparisons.

BeReal

BeReal is a real-time photo-sharing app that encourages users to post unfiltered photos of themselves along with their surroundings once a day. The goal of this app is to promote “unfiltered moments” and create a more authentic news feed compared to other social media platforms. However, it is crucial to be aware that excessive use of this app can lead to an unhealthy focus on screens rather than the real world around a child.

Snapchat

Snapchat is a photo-messaging app that automatically deletes messages once they are read. Many teenagers use it as a form of texting, engaging in regular conversations and maintaining daily snap streaks by exchanging snaps at least once a day. However, it is worth noting that Snapchat has security vulnerabilities that may put your child at risk. The app has also been associated with facilitating cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying

While navigating the online world, your child may encounter instances of cyberbullying. It is crucial for parents to be educated about the signs of cyberbullying and know how to protect their child from online bullies. Cyberbullying can manifest in various forms and can be easily concealed, so it is important to be vigilant and know what to look out for.

Cyberbullying Explained

Cyberbullying is a pervasive form of harassment that occurs exclusively in the digital realm. It can manifest in various online spaces such as message rooms, social media platforms, video games, and direct messaging. The primary objective of cyberbullies is to subject their victims to feelings of shame, fear, and social exclusion.

These cyberbullies employ a range of tactics, including sending abusive or threatening messages directly to their targets, spreading rumors about them on social media, and posting embarrassing or private photos to elicit hurtful comments from others. They may even resort to “catfishing” their victims by assuming false identities to gain their trust. Conversely, they may use their victims’ photos to impersonate them, tarnishing their online reputation.

While the manifestations of cyberbullying may vary, it is crucial to recognize that any form of online harassment constitutes cyberbullying. Sadly, it has become distressingly prevalent among today’s youth and often coexists with traditional, offline bullying. Unlike face-to-face bullying, the digital nature of cyberbullying leaves a permanent written record of the incidents.

Cyberbullying: Signs It May Be Happening To Your Child

Although cyberbullying can sometimes go unnoticed by parents, there are identifiable symptoms that may indicate your child is facing online harassment.

If your child appears overly sensitive to changes, experiences frequent mood swings, or becomes excessively protective of their devices, these could be indications that cyberbullying is affecting them. Being targeted by cyberbullies can cause children to withdraw from their daily lives, internalizing the hurtful messages they receive.

Preventing Cyberbullying

While there is no foolproof method to prevent cyberbullying, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of it happening to your child. Being aware of your child’s online activities and actively participating in their digital world, especially when they are young, can help you identify signs of harassment early on.

Emphasize to your child the importance of only interacting with people they know in real life while online. Ensure that your child understands how to adjust privacy settings, report harmful comments, and recognize when it’s necessary to step away from the online environment.

How to Properly Address Cyberbullying

It is crucial to take action once cyberbullying has occurred. Start by reassuring your child that you are there to support them. Let them know that you appreciate them confiding in you and that you will assist them. Creating a sense of safety and protection for your child is paramount throughout this challenging experience.

If cyberbullying is happening on social media platforms, guide your child on how to block and report the accounts of the bullies. Review their privacy settings to ensure that their posts are only visible to friends. In severe cases, involving law enforcement may become necessary. You may also consider suggesting that your child take a break from social media for a period of time.

If the cyberbullying is being perpetrated by individuals your child knows in real life, it is important to inform their parents about the situation. In some cases, involving the school administration can facilitate a discussion on the issue and enable collaboration in finding a solution.

Safeguarding Your Child from Online Predators

It is an unfortunate reality that there are individuals on the internet who may pose a threat to your child’s safety. Whether they are bullies, doxxers, or predators, it is crucial to educate children about the importance of being vigilant regarding their online well-being.

What Not to Share Online

Engage in regular conversations with your child about the information they should never disclose online, especially to strangers. This includes:

• Their home address
• Their school
• Passwords
• Their phone number
• Driver’s license number
• Their parents’ full names

Explain to your child the significance of keeping this information confidential, even if they feel they can trust someone they have met online. Teach them to recognize the signs of an online predator and encourage them to trust their instincts when it comes to people they encounter on the internet.

Maintaining Location Privacy 

Walk through the location settings of all your child’s apps, and show them how to ensure their location is off at all times. Also, emphasize the importance of not giving out information about where they live to strangers. 

How to Respond if Your Child is Approached Online

Parents play a crucial role in equipping their children to identify online predators. Engage in a comprehensive conversation with your child about “tricky individuals” and how some people might attempt to gain their trust only to cause harm later on.

Irrespective of the platform, take immediate action to block and report any individual who approaches your child. Stay vigilant about the specific app or website through which your child was approached, and be attentive to any patterns of inappropriate behavior on those platforms.

When children are aware that they can confide in you about uncomfortable concerns or issues they encounter online, they are more likely to seek assistance. Parents can create a safe environment for their children to openly discuss anything that makes them feel uneasy.

Safeguarding Your Child from Adult Content 

The internet is filled with adult content, ranging from explicit and disturbing videos to sexual material. Without proper protection, your child may stumble upon media that they are not yet mature enough to comprehend. 

One effective measure is to utilize parental controls on your child’s devices. These controls allow you to block specific apps and websites, as well as set limits on game ratings and video purchases. However, it is important to note that some parental control software can be easily bypassed and may not be entirely effective. 

In the event that your child does encounter adult content, it is crucial to be prepared for an open and honest conversation about what they have seen and how to process it.

The Future of Tech for Kids and Teens

The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new devices and programs emerging each year. One exciting development is the integration of new technology into education curriculums, where digital literacy has become a crucial component of modern learning standards. Your child will likely continue to utilize new technologies in the classroom and potentially at home as well.

As augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) gain popularity and accessibility, they may become the next frontier in technology. While parental controls in AR/VR worlds are still being developed, staying informed is the best approach to keeping up with these emerging technologies.

Preparing Kids for Success

As technology advances and tech companies increasingly cater to children and teens, we can help our children stay safe online. Teaching them about privacy protection, avoiding age-inappropriate content, and managing screen time are just the first steps in promoting internet safety. With more advanced technology, new rules come into play, and engaging in healthy conversations about tech usage can set our kids up for success.