Safety for Children in the Digital Age

How to find safety and peace of mind in an always-online world

Children born in the age of social media face a huge variety of new opportunities and challenges. The internet is a place where kids can connect and learn about new ideas, but it can also be a dangerous and confusing place for kids still in the process of learning about themselves.

Challenges of the Digital Age

Almost everyone has heard the horror stories about stalkers and online predators that lurk under the veil of anonymity. A large percentage of parents worry that their children will be exposed to these predators, who may identify their child as an easy target.

Social media gives kids the ability to share information further and faster than ever before. But this can quickly get out of hand when other people are sharing and reposting someone’s photos without their consent.

Even if your kid has a fairly small following, photos posted on social media can quickly find their way onto other parts of the internet where online predators may be lurking.

In an age where a handful of posts can spark an international movement, the rapid speed and occasionally hostile nature of social media can be a little frightening. Even the most well-intentioned posts can suddenly brew up a firestorm of cyberbullies and make your child a target.

Being a Digital Citizen

In the right situation, being part of an online community can be a beautiful thing. Many kids who may have difficulties making connections in their local community discover the internet as a place they can share their ideas and their passions with like-minded peers. But online chatrooms can still pose hazards for kids who aren’t educated on how to deal with an uncomfortable exchange.

Instead of giving your kids free access to the internet, encourage them to share their internet habits with you. Help them to expand their online experience in a constructive and positive way. Educate yourself about best practices when it comes to ensuring their online safety and privacy, and empower your children by giving them solid strategies to help them understand and deal with the things they see online.

Sharing your concerns with your kids is the best way to help them understand the dangers they might face when going online. Learn about different digital resources, privacy policies, and monitor your child’s internet use to help them to surf the internet more safely.