■ FROM THE STATEHOUSE
Internet Safety Month Targets
Keeping Children Safe Online
N
o parent in their right mind would drop off a child in the middle of Times Square or the Las Vegas Strip with little more than a safety talk and a directive to behave — but that is in essence what’s occurring when children are allowed to access the Internet, largely unsupervised and unprotected, on digital devices. Each Internet-capable device acts as an open door for millions of people, directly into your — and your child’s — life. An invaluable resource when used for education, entertainment, and discovery, parents must realize that the digital world is also a playground for skilled predators. Where kids go, so too do those who wish to harm them…which means digital devices pose a clear and present danger for kids. In fact, 1 in 5 children who touch a digital device is sexually solicited online. Chilling. Especially when you consider that more than a third of children under age 12 began interacting with a smartphone before they entered Kindergarten, and 20 percent of this same cohort have a smartphone of their own. While authorities and Internet watchdog groups across the world are doing all they can to crack down on online predation, parents and caregivers must be the first line of defense
By Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book
when it comes to cyber safety. I urge families • Does your child understand that things and youth-serving organizations to use to posted on the Internet or sent on a learn about ways to keep children safe online. digital device are permanent – even if the content is deleted from your child’s Safety starts with priming digital devices device? to ensure children are protected as much as possible on a very basic level. Prior to giving • Does your child know not to post any any Internet capable device to a child, conduct personal information about themselves a thorough investigation into its capabilities and (pictures, address, phone number, etc.) ensure you are the primary user/administrator online? so that nothing can be done without your • Does your child understand that comapproval (changing passwords or settings, municating with someone online that downloading applications, etc.). they do not know is very dangerous Also remember that just because your because that person could be anyone, child’s friends are using an app or game, does even an adult? not mean it is safe. Apps may require location Online predators are smart — but with settings to be shared while in use or promote education, awareness, and advocacy, we can be inter-app messaging between players or users. smarter. When it comes to safety, conversations Predators have been known to groom unsus- do not have to be scary or uncomfortable. pecting kids on popular games like Fortnite or Instead, bring kids to the table and empower apps such as Snapchat. While safety settings them with rules and tools to navigate the digital help mitigate the opportunity for predators world safely, securely, and with confidence. to contact children, constant monitoring of Above all else, ensure your child or teen knows a child’s device is one of the most effective how to recognize unsafe situations and that protective measures. they know they can come to you to talk about Establishing an Internet code of conduct ANYTHING without fear of getting in trouble. is also important for children of all ages If you find that your child has been contacted to understand that their behavior online by a predator, contact the National Center for should mirror their behavior in the phys- Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber Tip ical world. Questions to consider include: Line and submit a report at cybertopline.org or 1-800-THE-LOST.
Our City Weston / July 2022 / OurCityMedia.com / 79
