In this modern, fast-paced world, most people are using the internet, from different kinds of transactions – may it be banking, shopping, and paying bills – to connecting with other people.
While the internet makes our life easier with its benefits, there are also dangers attached to it.
Children, with their innocent minds, are most vulnerable to the dangers of the internet.
From exposure to inappropriate content and online predators to issues like cyberbullying and data privacy, the internet can be a dangerous place for young users.
What are the dangers of the internet for children?
According to a 2023 report from the US Surgeon General on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, most youths aged 13 to 17 years old are on at least one social media platform.
The report stated: “Adolescents who spent more than three hours per day on social media faced double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
The study revealed 46 percent of adolescents aged 13 to 17 say social media makes them feel worse about their bodies.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stated that cyberbullying, along with increasing online hate and discrimination, can raise the risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts in children growing up in today’s digital age.
Children are also vulnerable to online predators, falling victim to sexual exploitation and abuse.
The 2023 report also said that social media platforms can be sites for predatory behaviours and interactions with malicious actors who target children and adolescents.
Video games ‘hunting grounds’ for predators
As children explore more online, there are possibilities they will come across games and online chats where they will be interacting with strangers.
These games and chats may be used by sexual predators to target children.
Just recently, the US state of Louisiana filed a lawsuit accusing Roblox of facilitating the exploitation of children.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in the lawsuit that Roblox facilitates the distribution of child sexual abuse material and the exploitation of minors.
The lawsuit specifically charges Roblox with “knowingly and intentionally” failing to implement basic safety controls to protect children.
In response to the lawsuit, Roblox denied all allegations, saying, “Any assertion that Roblox would intentionally put our users at risk of exploitation is simply untrue,” adding the company is continuously working to promote a safe online environment on the platform.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Singapore launches new ‘Age Well Neighbourhood’ scheme to support seniors
How can I keep my child safe online?
With the dangers of being too exposed online, parents and guardians need to protect their children from potential harm caused by internet use.
UNICEF has listed five tips on how to protect children from being targets of exploitation and other inappropriate content.
UNICEF emphasised the importance of adults setting clear guidelines on when, where, and how devices should be used.
Parents should support children in staying aware and knowing how to handle troubling behaviour they may face online.
It is also essential to review children’s devices to ensure privacy settings are enabled and adjusted to limit data collection.
Additionally, children should be reminded to keep their personal information private.
UNICEF also said that as children are more exposed online, parents and guardians should also spend time with them online.
It is also necessary that they introduce them to trustworthy sources of information.
It is the parents’ responsibility to lead by example and exercise caution while posting images and videos of your children online.
Additionally, they need to be reminded to treat others with kindness and respect.
Finally, it is preferable to maintain open lines of contact with children and to encourage them to use online tools that will assist them with productivity.
Most significant, though, is that children should be taught to balance their internet habits while still participating in activities that support a healthy lifestyle.
READ NEXT: Fijians told to observe healthy lifestyle to combat widespread anaemia
Adam Peaker 
Newsjustnews writers 
Carmela Calling