How to Keep Students Safe Online
With the rise of technology and social media, being a teen today is tougher than any parent could ever imagine. The landscape of the online world and social media is everchanging, especially among teens who often are on the leading edge of this space. There are many benefits to the internet and social media, such as connecting others with similar interests, learning about new topics and hobbies, building identity, and learning about others.
However, there are also a plethora of negative aspects and dangers. Keeping teens safe is hard enough in the real world, let alone the cyberworld. Here we define the top online risks for teens, and how you as a parent can increase technology, online and social media safety for your child.
Top Online Risks for Teens
The top online risks for teens include cyberbullying, doxing, sexting, pornography, and online predators.
Cyberbullying: Bullying has long existed before the internet, but the rise of technology and social media has brought it to a more public and 24/7 arena. Stopbullying.gov defines cyberbullying as, “Bullying that take places over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can occur through SMS, text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can also include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.” According to a study by Pew Research Center, “59 percent of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online.” Other findings show:
- 32% of teens say they have been called an offensive name online or on their cellphone.
- 22% of teens say they have had false rumors spread about them online.
- 17% of teens say they have been sent explicit images they didn’t ask for.
Doxing: Cybersmile.org defines doxing or doxxing as, “The practice of gathering and publishing personal or private information about someone on the internet. Methods for obtaining information about a person being doxed ranges from using publicly searchable databases, social media platforms and the hacking of personal accounts. When someone’s information is shared online, it can often feel to the victim like the entire world has gained access to the most private details of their personal life.” On social media, it’s important not to post personal information such as tagging your location, or posting pictures that show where you live.
Sexting: The sharing and receiving of sexually explicit messages and nude or partially nude images via cell phone. Sexts may be sent as regular text messages or through apps like Snapchat, WhatsApp, or through online games. According to safewise.com, “Depending on how far it goes and whether or not swapped pics remain private, sexting can result in consequences ranging from severe reputation damage to child pornography charges.”
Pornography: Smartphones have enabled children to view pornography anywhere. According to waituntil8th.org, “Pornography marketers intentionally target youth online to lure them to dangerous images and videos. One study showed that 42 percent of online youth users have been exposed to online pornography. Of those, 66 percent reported unwanted exposure to pornography often through online ads.”
Online Predators: Online predators often pose as peers to connect with potential victims. According to safewise.com, “They can show up on social networks, chat rooms, and other online environments. Many predators attempt to groom teens for sexual exploitation or human trafficking. But a growing number of online predators aim to radicalize children for extreme political or religious groups.”
How Parents Can Help
Monitor Your Child’s Accounts: Between tablets, smartphones, and laptops, many kids have access to the internet starting at a very young age. Be vigilant when it comes to your child’s technology and social media accounts. Know their usernames and passwords and check them frequently for red flags. There are many parental control apps that allow parents to monitor and restrict what their children can do on their devices. Check out this article by verywellfamily.com for the Best 7 Parental Control Apps.
Set Limits: It’s important to establish and enforce boundaries when it comes to the use of technology. Set limits from screen time, including time spent on a smartphone, online gaming, or any other web-based activity your kids are into. Store computers, laptops, tablets, and phones in a central place in your home where you can monitor activity.
Stranger Danger Applies to the Internet: Teach your child to stay away from strangers on the internet. Whether it’s an email from an unknown source, a suspicious link, or a friend request they don’t recognize. Encourage them to run things by you if they are unsure if something is unsafe so you can decide together.
Have Ongoing Conversations: Communication is key to keeping your child safe online and in the real world. Technology is here to stay, and it’s never too early to start talking with your child about internet safety. Let them know the online threats you are concerned about and discuss how to steer clear of them. By starting a dialogue with your child, you are paving the way for them to come to you if something strange or scary happens to them online.
Book a YES Technology & Social Media Safety Program!
Our YES social media and technology safety programs encourage students to make positive choices in the digital world. Presented with age-appropriate content, students will learn they have the power to minimize cyberbullying and positively impact the internet. Other topics include cyberbullying, online safety, sexting, cyberstalking, human trafficking, and doxing, which means posting private or identifying information about a particular individual on the internet, typically with malicious intent.
Want to learn more about our student technology and social media safety programs? Please send us a message through our Book Now page, and someone from our YES team will be in touch with you within one business day.
YES Motivational Moments Mini Video Series
