You only have to know me for less than 5 minutes to discover that I am a mom. Raising my two boys has been one of the greatest achievements in my life. But, let me introduce you to my youngest son, Noah. Noah is, at the time of this writing, 3 years old and is full of sass and sweetness. He also is absolutely fascinated with social engineering. You see, one of my jobs is to manage the Social-Engineer Podcast. So, from the womb, Noah has heard every single podcast I have worked on. The podcast has become a comfort for him, playing an episode has calmed meltdowns and has gotten him through tough situations.
It also has developed a very strong relationship with the host of the podcast, our CEO, Chris Hadnagy. “Uncle Chris” (as my kids call him) has become a hero to Noah through the podcast. He has taught him to steeple for confidence when he’s feeling nervous. It has helped him in his communication, as I have watched him communicate through confusing situations just the way I have seen Uncle Chris demonstrate. It also has given him a sense of what it means to be secure, as Noah reminded me, “mama, don’t forget a good password” when setting up his new tablet.
Ensuring Your Child’s Safety in the Digital World
In today’s increasingly digital world, it’s almost impossible to escape the internet. For children, the internet is a treasure trove of educational content, entertainment, and social interaction. Yet, with these benefits come significant risks. Whether your child is using the internet for schoolwork, gaming, or chatting with friends, it’s crucial to understand how to keep them safe from online dangers. I am very aware that not everyone has the luxury of having an “Uncle Chris” to capture their child’s attention and help them learn how to be secure in an increasingly tough world. So, in this newsletter, we’ll explore the growing presence of kids online, the risks they face, and practical tips for keeping them secure.
The Growing Presence of Kids Online
As technology becomes more ingrained in our daily lives, kids are spending more time online than ever before. Globally, around 1.2 billion children are online, and in the U.S., over 80% of children ages 5-15 use the internet regularly, whether for school, social media, or leisure activities. These numbers underscore the importance of understanding how children are interacting with the digital world and the need for proactive strategies to protect them.
Risks Kids Face Online
While the internet can be an excellent resource for kids, it also harbors dangers that can jeopardize their security. Some of the most common risks include:
1. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying has become a serious concern, with studies revealing that around 59% of U.S. teens have experienced some form of online bullying. The anonymity of the internet can make it easier for kids to harass others or become victims of harassment. Cyberbullying can lead to lasting emotional and psychological effects, making it essential for parents to monitor their children’s online interactions.
2. Online Predators
One of the most alarming risks is the presence of online predators. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), their CyberTipline has received more than 35.9 million reports of child exploitation on the internet. Predators often pose as children or friendly adults to groom kids, leading them into dangerous situations. In some cases, predators may use social media platforms, online games, or chatrooms, to initiate contact.
3. Exposure to Inappropriate Content
Despite parental controls and content filters, children can still encounter inappropriate material online. From violent videos and graphic images to explicit language and adult content, the internet is flooded with content that is unsuitable for young minds. Studies show that nearly 20% of children between 8-12 have been exposed to inappropriate online material.
4. Privacy Risks
Kids often don’t fully grasp the implications of sharing personal information online. Social media platforms, gaming sites, and messaging apps collect data that can be used for targeted ads or even exploited by malicious actors. Even simple details like a child’s full name, address, or school can be used for harmful purposes.
Practical Tips to Keep Kids Secure Online
Now that we understand the risks, let’s explore some strategies parents can implement to ensure their kids remain safe and secure online.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Create rules around internet usage that are tailored to your child’s age. These boundaries should include guidelines on how much screen time is acceptable, which sites or apps are off-limits, and what type of behavior is expected online.
2. Monitor Their Online Activity
One of the most effective ways to protect your child is by staying involved in their online life. Use parental control software to track which websites your child visits, their search history, and who they’re communicating with online. Many apps and tools allow you to set up alerts for inappropriate content or activity.
The Innocent Lives Foundation also has some great information on how to monitor your children’s online devices.
3. Educate About Privacy
Talk to your kids about the importance of protecting their personal information. Encourage them not to share personal details like their full name, address, or school online. Remind them that what they post or share can remain online forever, even if they delete it later.
4. Be a Role Model
Children often mimic adult behavior, so set a positive example when it comes to digital use. Show them how to use the internet responsibly by practicing good habits, such as respecting privacy and using technology for educational or productive purposes.
5. Teach Them About Cyberbullying
Discuss cyberbullying openly with your kids. Let them know what it is, how to recognize it, and what to do if they encounter it. Encourage them to report any bullying or uncomfortable interactions they experience or witness.
6. Set Up Parental Controls
Most devices, apps, and games have built-in parental controls that can block inappropriate content, limit screen time, and prevent contact with strangers. Familiarize yourself with these features and implement them to reduce your child’s exposure to harmful material.
Final Thoughts
The internet offers many valuable learning tools, but it also comes with a host of risks. As a parent, staying informed about the dangers your child may encounter and taking proactive steps to secure their online environment is crucial. By setting boundaries, monitoring activity, educating about online safety, and using the right tools, you can arm your child with what they need to stay safe. You can also take Noah’s recommendation and watch the podcast.
Written by
Amanda Marchuck
Online Content Manager at Social-Engineer, LLC