Advice for Parents on Technology

---

Child online safety awareness is one of the most important things in today’s digital world, where children are increasingly exposed to the internet’s vast and often unregulated content. By understanding online safety, parents can help children learn to act responsibly and protect themselves from potential dangers such as cyberbullying, sextortion, predators, and inappropriate content. 

Oct 29, 2024 -  A new survey conducted by Test Prep Insight has revealed that parents across the United States are increasingly concerned about the impact of social media on their children's mental health. 

Growing up, your parents likely told you not to talk to strangers and to be wary of people you don’t know who might try to lure you away and harm you — also known as “stranger danger.”

These days, however, top child safety experts are more likely to recommend teaching the concept of “tricky people” instead — and for good reason. 

Today's digital world and the "IRL" world are more connected and overlapping than ever before. Work is email, grocery shopping is a digital list sent right to our doorstep, and schoolwork happens on a tablet. The tech is undeniably transformative, in good ways and bad. While ‘90s kids were taught all about in-person stranger danger, the internet doesn't have as clear of boundaries for today's kids-and cyberbullies, scammers, and hackers are looking for ways to exploit data at every turn.  

As the first generation to grow up with 24/7 access to the internet, children today are becoming increasingly exposed to the online world through social media platforms.

While these platforms offer opportunities for connection and self-expression, they also come with inherent risks. As parents, it's crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard our children's online safety. 

Teenagers who are glued to their phones are more likely to be anxious, depressed and suffer insomnia, researchers found.

New research published in Acta Paediatrica – which surveyed 657 pupils aged 16 to 18 at five schools – found that 123 teenagers displayed signs of problematic smartphone use (PSU).

Smartphones and apps are part of daily life for most of us. Even before children get cellphones, they’re exposed to the internet in countless ways — most often by seeing their parents, older siblings, or friends use social media. When your child gets to a certain age, they’re going to start asking if they can use social media, and you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons. 

Those giving parenting advice often mention setting limits on kids' screen time.

So, what is the appropriate age to give children their own smartphone?

This question isn’t as simple as it seems, according to Dr. Joshua Stein, child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical director at PrairieCare in Minnesota.

Though I work in tech, I'm not very familiar with social media. Before my children hit puberty, it never dawned on me that technology could be an evil thing.

Now, my kids are 9, 12, 13, and 15, and I'm worried about cyberbullying and catfishing.

I've taken steps to manage their screen time and access to apps, even though I feel guilty about doing so sometimes.

A mother will always go above and beyond to protect her kids, and nowadays, that protection is needed online more than ever. Cyberbullying is on the rise with reports stating that nearly 42% of kids have been bullied. 

 As part of an NBC News NOW’s special town hall, experts Fareedah Shaheed and Abbigail Beccaccio, Unit Chief of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division, Child Exploitation Operational Unit, join NBC News’ Kate Snow and Savannah Sellers to outline the threats facing teens and families online today and the practical steps families can take to stay safe. 

If your teenager often seems moody and volatile, you might be tempted to dismiss it as normal teenage behavior that will eventually pass. But sometimes the symptoms that most parents and caregivers of teenagers deal with are not just part of the normal changes all young people experience. Sometimes they could represent a more serious change to their behavior and personality.