Online Dangers to Children: Latest Statistics and How to Protect Your Kids

The internet can be a great resource for children, but it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers they may face online.

Here are some latest statistics on the dangers to children when they go online:

1. Cyberbullying: According to a survey conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center, 27% of students in grades 6-12 have experienced cyberbullying. This can include being called names, threatened or humiliated online, or sharing personal information without consent.
2. Online predators: A study by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children found that 1 in 7 children aged 10-17 have received a sexual solicitation online. Predators can use social media, chat rooms, and other online platforms to target and groom children for sexual exploitation.
3. Inappropriate content: A study by Common Sense Media found that 53% of 13-18-year-olds have stumbled upon explicit content online, and 40% of those who saw explicit content say they were “uncomfortable” with what they saw. Children may accidentally come across inappropriate content through search results, pop-up ads, or links shared by their friends.
4. Online addiction: The World Health Organization has recognized “gaming disorder” as a mental health condition. According to a survey by the Entertainment Software Association, 65% of American adults believe that video game addiction is a problem, and 37% of parents say their child plays video games for more than 3 hours per day.

It’s important for parents to be aware of these dangers and to take steps to protect their children online. This can include setting parental controls, having open and honest conversations with their children about online safety, and being vigilant about their child’s online activity.

Tips for parents:

1. Set parental controls: Use the built-in parental controls on your child’s device to block inappropriate apps, websites, and games. You can also set limits on how much time they can spend online and monitor their online activity.
2. Have open and honest conversations: Talk to your children about internet safety and the potential dangers they may face online. Encourage them to tell you if they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable or if a predator targets them.
3. Monitor their online activity: Keep an eye on your child’s online activity and be aware of the apps and websites they use. If you see any suspicious activity, address it immediately.
4. Use privacy settings: Make sure your child’s social media accounts have strong privacy settings, and they only accept friend requests from people they know.
5. Use a secure browser: Use a secure browser, such as DuckDuckGo, when searching the internet to protect your child’s privacy and prevent them from accidentally coming across inappropriate content.
6. Set boundaries: Set boundaries for your child’s device usage and ensure they follow them. This can include limiting their online time and establishing rules for appropriate content.

By following these tips, you can help protect your child from the dangers of the internet and give them a safe and positive online experience.

By following these tips, you can help protect your child from the dangers of the internet and give them a safe and positive online experience.

Sources:

• Cyberbullying Research Center: https://cyberbullying.org/
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: https://www.missingkids.org/
• Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
• World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/
• Entertainment Software Association: https://www.theesa.com/