While the internet can be a great resource, it can also provide a risky environment for users, especially children. Some of the greatest online threats that kids face include:
Cyberbullying: The number one online threat to kids is cyberbullying. According to the Pew Research Center, 60% of U.S. teens have experienced cyberbullying. This can include posting or sharing mean, negative, or private pictures or information about another person to hurt or humiliate them. Cyberbullying occurs over text, apps, email, and social media sites through computers, cell phones, and other devices.
Cyberbullying is particularly concerning because it can be harder for parents and school officials to detect and prevent than bullying in person. It’s also difficult to escape because bullies can access their victims 24 hours a day, and many of the things the bullies post or share are permanent and can cause long-term damage to the victim’s reputation and mental health. Over 60% of victims of cyberbullying say it has impacted their school performance. Bullying also increases the risk of depression, self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide.
Online criminal Threats
Child predators: Another top online threat is sexual predators who try to get children to engage in inappropriate conversations or meet them in person. The predators might set up fake profiles on online gaming sites and social media and pretend to be the same age as the child to coax them into a friendship and earn their trust (known as “grooming”).
Graphic content: Even an innocent online search can lead kids to accidentally find inappropriate content, such as sexual or violent images and videos.
Cybercrime: Many games, apps, and social media sites have pop-up ads, in-app purchase opportunities, and fake links to steal your information. This “click bait” can trick users into downloading malware and give cybercriminals access to sensitive information, such as bank accounts and passwords.
There are steps parents can take to protect their children from online threats
Education: Warn kids about online dangers and educate them about online safety. Teach children that they should only talk to people online that they know in real life, like relatives and age-appropriate friends. Help them understand that things they do online can have real-life and long-term consequences. Tell children never to purchase online without parental permission and use simple language to teach them about other online risks like suspicious websites, emails, links, attachments, and text messages. Encourage kids to avoid leaving their phones unattended and discourage them from sharing passwords.
Rules: Place computers in common areas and limit how much time kids can spend online and on devices. Set limits on what activities kids are allowed to do online, sites they are allowed to visit, etc. and warn them that you will monitor their internet usage.
Listening: Talk with children to learn about what is happening in their lives. Provide a safe environment for kids to tell you about anything they encounter online that scares them or makes them feel uncomfortable, even if they saw it while doing something against the rules.
Learn the signs: Besides listening to children, learn the signs that they might be experiencing an online threat. Signs might include missing school, getting upset right after receiving a text or online message, declining grades, suddenly avoiding their computer or phone, or changes in eating and sleeping habits. Talk with your child before the situation worsens if you notice anything suspicious.
Use protective cyber tools: Make sure the software and operating systems on your child’s computer, phone, and other devices are up to date. Install antivirus and anti-malware software to protect the kid’s device against infection. Use parental control software and change settings on vulnerable sites like YouTube to restricted mode to block inappropriate websites and content.
Contact a New York Injury Lawyer
If your child was stalked, harassed, or abused by an online predator, you have rights and legal options. Depending on the specifics of your situation, you could even have grounds to file a civil case against the perpetrator. Contact a New York sex abuse lawyer of Hach & Rose, LLP to discuss what happened and find out the legal options available to you when you call (212) 779-0057.