HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — When it comes to social media and the internet, there can be a risk of falling into dangerous materials or traps, and that’s especially true for school aged children.
With the widespread adoption of smart phones and the constant creation of new apps, keeping your kids safe online can be hard.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, nearly 40% of children 8 to 12 years old use social media apps, and 95% of teenagers use social media.
Spending too much time online can lead to a potential risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Additionally, children are at a greater risk for being groomed or even trafficked.
Paul Hutchison, Executive Director of “The Sound of Freedom, ” a film based on child trafficking, told News 19’s Nawaal Jalill that it’s crucial for parents to understand that the biggest danger for children is on any digital platform, like their phone, social media and gaming platforms.
Research from Thorn, an organization that works to defend children from sexual abuse, found that 55% of domestic minor trafficking survivors met their trafficker for the first time online.
If your child is on social media , encourage them to keep a small online community, with only people they know in real life.
You can also remind them of the dangers of sending photos and personal information, and to report anything that makes them uncomfortable or that feels dangerous.
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