With a growing number of social media platforms and ways to connect online, how do you know if your children are safe?
A recent study finds one in 12 kids are being exposed to sexual exploitation and abuse online.
That means anything from solicitation to sextortion, and unwanted exposure to inappropriate content.
Media psychologist Joanne Broder, PhD, said “Unfortunately, there are people who are trying to lure kids, and who are trying to connect with kids for the wrong reasons.”
Those people could be anyone, including social media personalities and influencers.
Dr. Broder says the culture of being online is becoming more common among younger audiences, who are more likely to view things like followers and likes as a mark of importance and trustworthiness. Furthermore, that perceived celebrity status may make children more susceptible to manipulation and less likely to recognize warning signs of inappropriate behavior.
The topic of the exploitation of influence online has become a concern following a number of recent cases of child sex crimes.
Dr. Broder encourages parents to take an active role in monitoring who their child is communicating with online, and why. She notes that parents should set rules in their household that if any internet user wants to engage directly with their child for any reason, that person would need to communicate their intentions with the parents first.
Establishing those boundaries begins with having conversations with children about safe and transparent internet use, and where to draw the line.
If your child was a victim of an inappropriate online exchange or sex crime, multiple options are available to help. That includes reaching out to law enforcement, The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, and seeking counsel through an attorney.
Source: WAVE
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