Children are active users of the internet, but unfortunately, they are also vulnerable to various threats. If your children spend significant time online, it’s crucial to be aware of these threats and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety. Here are some of the most common online threats children face, along with tips to help you protect them:
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Inappropriate Content
The internet contains a vast amount of “inappropriate content” that children may actively search for or accidentally stumble upon. It’s essential to block websites with such content. Parental control software, such as Norton Family, can help you restrict access to specific websites. Another option is to use child-friendly browsers that automatically block unsuitable websites. Additionally, monitor your children’s online activities, check their search histories, and consider placing the computer in a common area of the house where you can keep an eye on their internet usage.
Chat Room “Friends”
Predators often enter chat rooms or use social media to target young children. They create fake profiles and pretend to be the same age as their victims, eventually attempting to meet up in person. It’s crucial to educate your children about this danger. Teach them to recognize warning signs and emphasize that they can always come to you if they have concerns. Encourage them to interact online only with people they know, such as friends and relatives. Make it clear that meeting someone they’ve only met online can be extremely risky and scary.
Cyberbullying
With the advent of social media, bullies no longer need to be physically present to torment their victims. Cyberbullying through social media platforms is unfortunately prevalent and can cause significant harm. Preventing your children from creating social media profiles until they are older can be a solution. However, if they do have social media accounts, let them know they can turn to you if they experience bullying online or offline. It’s crucial to be aware of such incidents to take appropriate action.
Online Scams
While online scams are often associated with targeting older adults, children are also vulnerable to them. Common scams include emails claiming false winnings, websites offering vague products at low prices, and anything that seems too good to be true. Educate your children about the signs of online scams. Emphasize that they should never make online purchases without checking with you first and discourage them from clicking on suspicious links. The more they know, the better they can protect themselves and your family’s finances.
As a parent, you have control over your children’s internet usage. They don’t necessarily need smartphones or social media profiles at a young age. Encourage them to engage in outdoor activities and enjoy their childhood without excessive reliance on the internet. By being vigilant and proactive, you can help keep your children safe online.
Addressing Serious Threats Made by Children and Adolescents
Tragic incidents involving children shooting and causing harm to others after making threats prompt us to question how and why such events occur. Many threats made by children and adolescents are not acted upon; they may simply be an attempt to appear tough or gain attention. At times, these threats stem from feelings of hurt, rejection, or perceived attacks.
It is crucial to discern which threats should be taken seriously. Some examples of potentially dangerous or emergency situations involving children or adolescents include:
- Threats or indications of harming or killing someone
- Threats or indications of self-harm or suicide
- Threats to run away from home
- Threats to damage or destroy property
Child and adolescent psychiatrists, along with other mental health professionals, acknowledge the challenge of accurately predicting a child’s future behavior. Nevertheless, past behavior remains one of the best indicators of future conduct. A child with a history of violence or assault is more likely to carry out their threats and engage in violent behavior.
Certain factors increase the risk associated with threats from children and adolescents. These include:
- Previous instances of violent or aggressive behavior, including uncontrollable anger outbursts
- Access to firearms or other weapons
- Bringing weapons to school
- Prior suicide attempts or threats
- Family history of violent behavior or suicide attempts
- Blaming others and refusing to take responsibility for one’s actions
- Recent experiences of humiliation, shame, loss, or rejection
- Bullying or intimidating peers or younger children
- Repeated pattern of making threats
- Being a victim of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect
- Witnessing abuse or violence within the household
- Persistent themes of death or depression in conversations, written expressions, reading materials, or artwork
- Obsession with violence in various media sources
- Mental illnesses like depression, mania, psychosis, or bipolar disorder
- Substance abuse involving alcohol or illicit drugs
- School or community disciplinary problems (delinquent behavior)
- History of property destruction or vandalism
- Cruelty towards animals
- Firesetting behavior
- Poor peer relationships and social isolation
- Involvement with cults or gangs
- Inadequate supervision or support from parents or other caring adults
What should be done if parents or others have concerns? When a child makes a serious threat, it should not be dismissed as mere idle talk. Parents, teachers, or other adults should immediately engage in a conversation with the child. If the child is deemed at risk and refuses to communicate, becomes argumentative, responds defensively, or continues to express violent or dangerous thoughts or plans, immediate evaluation by a mental health professional experienced in assessing children and adolescents should be arranged. Evaluating a serious threat requires considering the child’s past behavior, personality, and current stressors. In emergency situations or when the child or family refuses assistance, involving local law enforcement or taking the child to the nearest emergency room for evaluation may be necessary. Children who have made serious threats must be carefully supervised while awaiting professional intervention. Swift evaluation and appropriate ongoing treatment can support troubled children and reduce the risk of tragedy.
