How can my middle schooler avoid peril in the cyber world?

In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:

1. How can parents monitor devices?
2. What’s the best approach?
3. How can parents handle social media?

In middle school, many children become more engaged with social media. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat may expose kids to cyberbullying and online predators. Even texting can turn into dangerous sexting if kids view or send nude or semi-nude photos.

1. HOW CAN PARENTS MONITOR DEVICES?

“Communicating with your child about the dangers of having unlimited access to the internet is crucial to ensure your child’s safety,” says Callahan Walsh, executive director of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) Florida Regional Office.

A child old enough to access the internet without direct parental supervision is old enough to talk with about the risks, Brianna Coakley, an assistant state attorney and chief of Palm Beach County’s Special Victims Unit .

 “Education, open communication, and ongoing supervision are key to keeping children safe,” Coakley says.

 NetSmartz, a program of NCMEC, has free tips and resources to start these conversations, including sensitive issues such as asking if they have ever received a sexual message or naked picture on their cell phones or felt pressured or bullied to send or receive a photo.

2.  WHAT’S THE BEST APPROACH?

 “Having a conversation with your children about the dangers of social media can seem intimidating at first, Walsh recognizes. "Approach these sensitive topics with honesty and comfort. Let your child know that they can come to you if they are ever in a situation online where they feel uncomfortable.”

“NCMEC’s Florida office provides child protection education and prevention programs, case management services, and exploited child services. They work with the community to provide prevention, safety resources, presentations, Child ID kit events, and other NCMEC resources. Anyone who would like to reach the NCMEC’s Florida office in Lake Park directly can call 561-848-1900 or email flbranch@ncmec.org,” says Walsh.

Coakley emphasized that parents and caregivers need to let children know there are risks beyond social media, including games and apps geared toward children. 

3. HOW CAN PARENTS HANDLE SOCIAL MEDIA?

Coakley says she would advise parents to have frank, straightforward conversations about the dangers of the internet, including the risks of sexual exploitation by strangers, people they only know through the internet, and people they know in real life. 

It’s important to review your children’s friend lists to see who has access to their profiles and if your children know all the friends in person, according to NetSmartz. Set your children’s profiles to private, but be aware that complete privacy is not guaranteed.

Remove inappropriate content and photos and delete personal information. Report any inappropriate behavior to site administrators. Coakley says to report crimes to law enforcement or use NCMEC's CyberTipline.

And if the unimaginable happens, and your child is missing, call 911 and then contact the NCMEC’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800–843–5678), located at NCMEC’s regional office here in Palm Beach County.

SOURCES:

Callahan Walsh, Executive Director, Florida Regional Office Development, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Brianna Coakley, assistant state attorney and chief of Palm Beach County’s Special Victims Unit

NetSmartz 

CyberTipline