{"id":20634,"date":"2025-09-30T17:05:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T21:05:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/09\/30\/protecting-kids-online\/"},"modified":"2025-09-30T17:05:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T21:05:10","slug":"protecting-kids-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/09\/30\/protecting-kids-online\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting kids online"},"content":{"rendered":"

Protecting Children Online: A Guide for Parents<\/h1>\n

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\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Risks<\/h2>\n

\u201cWhat we see online happening with our children is desensitization of killing, of death, of what it means to take a life,\u201d said Susan Payne, a national school safety expert and founder of Colorado\u2019s Safe2Tell reporting system. \u201c\u2026We have to understand warning signs and indicators really are changing as we go more into a digital age.\u201d Experts emphasize the importance of parents being proactive in protecting their children online.<\/p>\n

Steps to Protect Children Online<\/h2>\n

Here are five steps that experts said parents can take to help keep their kids safe:<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Rush to Give a Child a Social Media Account<\/h3>\n

Mental health experts do not recommend that children have sole access to social media until they become adolescents because their brain development isn\u2019t ready to navigate such content without the supervision of an adult. There isn\u2019t 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\u2019s Hospital Colorado.<\/p>\n

Monitor and Limit a Child\u2019s Social Media Activity<\/h3>\n

Parents should monitor their child\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Talk with Children About What They Are Seeing Online<\/h3>\n

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 \u2014 such as the Evergreen High shooting \u2014 happens, Hawks said. \u201cIt\u2019s really important for parents to go to these kids and initiate these kinds of conversations,\u201d she said. In these conversations, parents should follow their kids\u2019 lead and let them express whatever feelings they have without minimizing them.<\/p>\n

Parents and Educators Need to Learn Language Used Online<\/h3>\n

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 \u201cbro gonna become a Hero.\u201d The term \u201chero,\u201d specifically the \u201cer\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Make Sure a Child Has a Trusted Adult<\/h3>\n

A trusted adult is one of the most protective factors for a child\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n