Are children protected online? 

Recently, internet safety has been a big concern for parents. According to Common Sense Media, 42% of kids have a phone by age ten. The more children who obtain a phone, the more children there are on the internet. Some possible dangers children face online are cyberbullying, exposure to violent or adult content, and online predators. It is hard for parents to monitor their child’s online activity without invading their privacy. 

Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. Cyberbullying can lead to severe emotional harm and even suicide. According to the city of Annapolis, about 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online, or even peer pressured them. Many social media apps like Snapchat have disappearing messages that open doors to cyberbullying, impulsive behavior, and predatory manipulation. Cyberbullying can ruin a child’s online reputation. A negative online reputation can affect college admissions, employment, and other areas of life.  

“I have never been cyberbullied, but I have heard of a lot of people’s lives being ruined that way,” said sophomore student Shelsie Escarment. 

Another hazard for children online is exposure to violent or adult content. Guardchild.com says that 70% of kids ages 8-18 have accidentally encountered online pornography, very often by entering an innocent search term while doing their homework. Not only are they exposed to adult content, but also jarring violence. Being exposed to harsh violence online at a young age can cause mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. When children see these things, it can cause aggression. Young kids are also exposed to harmful beauty standards, which result in further psychological issues.

“I have a little sister, and I would not want her to be on social media because there are many dangerous people,” said sophomore student Jizel Jean.

Since social media is such an integral part of society, children use it to shape their personalities and actions. The Child Crime Prevention and Safety Center in Los Angeles says that there are an estimated 500,000 online predators active each day. Online predators tend to look for online spaces that are popular with young people and try to gain the trust of a child over time. These online predators can convince children to send explicit photos of themselves and then blackmail them. Early stages of grooming are difficult for parents to detect until it is too late. Children who are groomed often end up with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicidal thoughts.  

It is essential for parents to educate their children about the dangers of the internet and to establish clear rules for online behavior. Parents can take several precautions, such as enabling the child’s privacy settings, being cautious about sharing personal information, and regularly checking in on their child’s online activities. Teaching children about online safety and preventing potential issues are crucial responsibilities for all parents.

Written by Camila Castro  | Graphic Designed by Camila Castro 

Published January 2, 2025 | ePathfinder | Perspectives