Protecting Children Online: A Guide for Parents

The internet can be a vast and overwhelming place, especially for children. With the rise of social media and online platforms, it’s easier than ever for kids to access content that may not be suitable for them. In the wake of the Evergreen High School shooting, extremism experts are raising the alarm about how teenagers are being radicalized online in spaces that glorify violence. They, along with mental health experts, recommend parents monitor their kids’ online activity as well as learn the language that is often used in such spaces so that they know what children are being exposed to.

Understanding the Risks

“What we see online happening with our children is desensitization of killing, of death, of what it means to take a life,” said Susan Payne, a national school safety expert and founder of Colorado’s Safe2Tell reporting system. “…We have to understand warning signs and indicators really are changing as we go more into a digital age.” Experts emphasize the importance of parents being proactive in protecting their children online.

Steps to Protect Children Online

Here are five steps that experts said parents can take to help keep their kids safe:

Don’t Rush to Give a Child a Social Media Account

Mental health experts do not recommend that children have sole access to social media until they become adolescents because their brain development isn’t ready to navigate such content without the supervision of an adult. There isn’t a set age that mental health experts recommend a child be given their own account, as each individual will be ready at a different time, said Jessica Hawks, a child and adolescent psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Monitor and Limit a Child’s Social Media Activity

Parents should monitor their child’s social media activity once they are given their own accounts. This includes being able to log in and see who their kids are talking to and what’s showing up on their social feeds, Hawks said. Parents should also set guidelines for overall screen use, such as not allowing phones to be used in bedrooms at night, she said. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families create a social media plan.

Talk with Children About What They Are Seeing Online

Parents should regularly check in with their kids to learn what they are being exposed to online, but these conversations are especially important after a traumatic event — such as the Evergreen High shooting — happens, Hawks said. “It’s really important for parents to go to these kids and initiate these kinds of conversations,” she said. In these conversations, parents should follow their kids’ lead and let them express whatever feelings they have without minimizing them.

Parents and Educators Need to Learn Language Used Online

Online teens often use slang, symbols, and slogans that adults may not understand to refer to white supremacy, antisemitism, and mass shootings. For example, the Evergreen High shooter liked a comment online that asked if “bro gonna become a Hero.” The term “hero,” specifically the “er” in the word, is an incel term that references a past mass attack. The Anti-Defamation League has an online database of hate symbols and codes that parents and educators can use to familiarize themselves with.

Make Sure a Child Has a Trusted Adult

A trusted adult is one of the most protective factors for a child’s mental health and preventing violence, according to mental health experts. A trusted adult can be a family member, a coach, or a teacher. They are someone a child or teen can talk to and helps them feel like they belong in the community, which means an adolescent is less likely to be drawn into online spaces that encourage them to engage in violence, experts said.

Conclusion

Protecting children online requires a multifaceted approach that includes monitoring their activity, educating ourselves about online trends, and maintaining open communication. By taking these steps, parents can help safeguard their children against the potential harms of the internet and foster a safer online environment.

FAQs

• Q: At what age should a child be given their own social media account?
  A: There isn’t a set age, as each child develops differently. Mental health experts recommend waiting until they are adolescents and can navigate content with adult supervision.
• Q: Why is it important for parents to learn the language used online?
  A: Understanding online slang, symbols, and slogans can help parents recognize potential signs of radicalization or exposure to harmful content.
• Q: How often should parents talk to their children about their online activity?
  A: Regularly, but especially after traumatic events or when noticing changes in behavior.
• Q: What role can schools play in protecting children online?
  A: Schools can limit access to dangerous websites on school computers and educate students about online safety and the risks of radicalization.
• Q: Why is having a trusted adult important for a child’s mental health?
  A: A trusted adult provides a child with a sense of belonging and someone to talk to, reducing the likelihood of them being drawn into harmful online communities.