Parental Tips

In today’s digital era, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety of our teens while they navigate the vast online  world. The internet offers endless possibilities, but it also exposes our children to potential risks and dangers. As parents and caregivers, it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves and empower our teens to stay safe online. Let’s explore some essential tips and resources that can make a significant difference.

Teen Truths

Before we delve into the tips, let’s acknowledge some eye-opening truths that highlight the importance of internet safety for teens. Did you know that 200,000 children go online every day? Shockingly, by the age of 11, approximately 82% of kids have been exposed to inappropriate content online. These statistics underscore the necessity of implementing proper filters and precautions to safeguard our children in the digital realm.

Tip 1: Avoid Connecting with Strangers

Just as we teach our children not to engage with strangers in real life, it's essential to apply the same principle online. Rule number one is to never connect, friend, or follow anyone you don’t know in real life. This applies across social media platforms and online gaming communities. Even if your friends follow or interact with such individuals, it’s best to exercise caution and stay away. When in doubt, talk to your friends and verify if they genuinely know them.

Tip 2: Just Say No to Sharing Inappropriate Content

One uncomfortable but critical topic to address is the issue of sexting. Sending sexually explicit texts, images, or even forwarding them without consent can have severe consequences. Shockingly, studies show that at least 1 in 4 teens receive explicit texts, while 1 in 7 engage in sexting themselves. Such
actions can lead to legal complications, emotional distress, and potential cyberbullying. In some states, sending explicit content to a minor is illegal, and the ramifications can persist long after the messages have been sent. Bottom line emphasize to your kids, no nudes dudes!

Tip 3: Recognizing Grooming Behaviors

Online predators are a sobering reality, lurking where our teens spend a significant amount of their time. Platforms like Kik, Snapchat, and TikTok can be hotspots for potentially dangerous individuals. It’s essential to familiarize ourselves and our teens with red flags indicating grooming behaviors. By being vigilant and aware, we can better protect our children and intervene when necessary. Read more grooming red flags here.

Tip 4: Safeguard Personal Information

One simple but effective way to enhance online safety is by limiting the exposure of personal information. Encourage your teens to avoid posting their school logos, locations, or any identifiable details online. Even seemingly innocent moments, like sharing pictures or snaps from school or sports
events, can inadvertently reveal sensitive information. Remember to turn off location settings on cameras and disable any features that might compromise your teen’s privacy.

Reporting and Resources

It’s crucial for both teens and their parents to know where to turn if they come across concerning or inappropriate content online. Encourage your teens to reach out to you, their parents or guardians, when they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable. Reporting incidents to the appropriate
authorities is paramount. If someone from school sends inappropriate content, share the details with a school resource officer. For suspected criminal activity, report to the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Additionally, Child Rescue Coalition has created a free eBook, C.R.A.M., to provide valuable information and answers to common questions about online safety. This resource covers safety settings for android and iPhones, as well as guidelines for popular video games. It’s an empowering tool that parents and
caregivers can utilize to protect their teens in the digital age.

Remember, open communication, knowledge, and collective action are key to ensuring the safety of our teens online. By implementing these tips and utilizing the available resources, we can create a safer digital environment for our children where they can thrive, learn, and connect without compromising
their well-being.

Together, let’s empower our teens to navigate the online world safely.