In today’s digital age, the Internet plays an important role in the lives of young people, influencing how they grow and develop into full-fledged adults who venture into the real world: from educational resources to social connections to discovery the latest viral dance trends, or watching how-to videos on how to cook pasta, the online world offers endless possibilities and resources.
Gone are the days of being bored when you had a ticket to a world of entertainment in the palm of your hand. And, with around 20 zettabytes of data generated each year (one zettabyte is 100 billion gigabytes, and one gigabyte is about the amount of data in a feature film), there’s no risk of ever running out of data. new things to add. To explore.
Kids and teens now have access to more content than ever. And they don’t know it, given that the time spent in front of the screen by an average teenager exceeds 7 hours a day. However, while this ever-changing digital landscape can support learning and connection, it also brings its fair share of risks and challenges.
Cyberbullying, sexual predators, privacy violations, malware, as well as phishing and other scams, all at least in part caused by ineffective or non-existent privacy and cybersecurity awareness and precautions, can have a detrimental impact on more than just young people’s online safety , but also on their offline health. -to be too much. In these crucial years of development and growth, parents, guardians and teachers must help children and adolescents navigate the online world safely and with confidence.
What are the risks to watch out for?
It seems like every day there’s a new social media platform to engage with or a new app to enjoy. With these new features come new risks, and we should all be vigilant in safely dealing with the latest additions. What may seem like an innocent new messaging app can provide many opportunities for scammers, hackers, and other Internet users to take advantage of well-intentioned, unwitting young people.
1. Cyberbullying
While bullying may have ended at the ringing of the school bell, constant connectivity means younger people are now vulnerable to harassment, intimidation and social exclusion wherever they go. Without space to feel safe, this can be extremely damaging to their self-esteem and mental health.
2. Improper use of shared information
Social media has gained popularity, with the number of Instagram users expected to reach over 1.4 billion in 2024 while TikTok, which is all the rage especially among teenagers, is expected to reach 900 million users this year. But the risk of younger people encountering malicious users and/or sharing explicit material goes hand in hand. Whether it’s an Internet stranger or someone they know, once content is shared online, control is taken away from the sender and sensitive material can be misused.
Check out ESET UK’s Think Twice campaign to raise awareness of the risks of online intimacy
3. Scams
All websites and apps require you to enter personal information to “register” or “download” content. If this personal information falls into the wrong hands, it can have negative consequences such as identity theft, financial exploitation, invasion of privacy and blackmail. Additionally, with the increase in phishing emails and fake websites, malicious actors have even more opportunities to attack.
4. Explicit exposure of the content
Research shows that the average age a child is exposed to pornography is 13 years old. This early exposure to graphic and sensitive content can create unrealistic expectations and unhealthy behaviors.
5. Internet addiction
Nomophobia – the fear of being without online connectivity – affects as many as 90% of device owners! The dangers of nomophobia include a lack of quality sleep, social isolation, and a shortened attention span, not what younger people need when trying to succeed in school and maintain a happy home life while remaining mentally and physically healthy.
6. Misinformation
There is evidence that younger people have more trust in what they see online and may be more receptive to false or misleading information. This can potentially influence their beliefs and perspectives in a way that negatively impacts their relationships, values and daily life.
What can parents and guardians do?
It’s crucial to remember that it’s not all bad. The online space offers a world of opportunities, and parents and guardians just need the tools and confidence to talk openly with their children about their online experiences.
While it can be difficult to decide when to allow children access to their own digital devices, studies show that the average age when children get their first smartphone is 11 years old. At this age, young people are still discovering who they are and their place in the world, so it’s even more important for a parent or guardian to openly discuss online safety. Here because:
1. Empower young people with knowledge
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of the online world. It’s a great idea to make sure kids are familiar with the apps and features available on these devices before getting their own.
For example, when your kids see you using your phone after dinner, maybe explain to them what you’re doing and why. Show them the different apps you have, what they do, and how you use them. If you’re open with them about what you’re doing, they’ll be more likely to be open about their online habits, too.
Are there any age-sensitive apps you don’t want them to see? It’s worth remembering to put them in a “hidden apps” or “protected folder”, which you can only access with a password.
2. Support them in tackling digital traps
The internet can be a minefield of inappropriate content, cyberbullying, scams and identity theft and it’s not always clear what’s safe and what’s not.
Engage in open conversations to educate your children about potential risks and provide them with strategies to deal with them safely:
- Teach children how to critically evaluate online information and make informed decisions about its authenticity or falsity
- Show them how to recognize and report cyberbullying
- Review tools they can use to protect their personal information such as two-factor authentication and a password manager, and if necessary, help them set them up correctly
Younger children are likely to be more interested in the games they can play on their devices. If so, you could show them some of the most popular ones and be clear about what is safe and what is a malicious pop-up that could accidentally make you pay a small fortune (no, you don’t have to pay $60 for more coins on Forest Island).
3. Encourage healthy online habits
Just as we teach children the importance of healthy eating and exercise, it’s crucial to instill healthy habits online from a young age.
Before you let your kids have full freedom in the digital space, take this opportunity to set limits around screen time, establish guidelines for responsible social media use, and encourage digital detox to maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities. By modeling healthy digital behavior yourself and discussing its importance, you can help your children develop lifelong habits that promote well-being in the digital age.
To maintain these habits, parental control features available on devices and Internet browsers allow you to filter content, monitor your child’s online activity, and set restrictions as needed.
4. Stay ahead of emerging risks
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with new apps, trends and online threats emerging regularly. Talk to children about the latest trends and risks online to keep them aware that not all apps, web users or social platforms are exactly what they seem. Create a safe space where they can ask questions about their lives online and make sure they feel heard. This way, they will feel reassured and encouraged to reach out to you if they are troubled by something they found online.
So, open the chocolate cupboard and put the kettle on – make the conversation fun and interesting where everyone can learn about what’s going on in each other’s lives online, encouraging online safety whilst strengthening your offline bond.