NOVA, Bucks County’s Victim Assistance Agency, has a number of programs and tips for parents and caregivers to help prevent children from potential exploitation or other online harm.
During the summer, when kids typically have more free time to spend in their digital world, it can be even harder to monitor their online activity. But, adults don’t have to try and do it all alone.
“Try to have open communication with your kids,” suggests Katie Sanford, NOVA’s High School Primary Prevention Coordinator. “Let them know they can come to you…sometimes they might be afraid if they’ve been on a site where they shouldn’t have been, afraid they’ll get in trouble, but emphasize they can always come to you.”
While it may not always be easy, “Put punishment on the back burner and focus on safety,” Sanford said.
Parents can also be proactive, suggested Sanford, and review the privacy settings on their kids’ phones and other devices. Gaming sites can often be a place where children are vulnerable to adults with inappropriate or dangerous intentions. Sanford said, talk to your kids about this and make them aware that not everyone is who they may appear to be. If a child or teen has a concern, let them know they should come to you. Some games do have controls to monitor access, Sanford noted.
It helps to know what your kids are doing online, when possible. NOVA professionals advise friending them on their platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tik-Tok. “Be aware,” said Sanford.
It’s always a good idea too, to remind your children to understand the Internet’s long life and that what they share today can be seen by college admissions folks and future employers. A good way to decide whether to post something, advised Sanford, is “Ask yourself, would I say this to my grandmother, my principal?”
“Stress being kind online,” she added.
Children and teens often witness cyberbullying, or are a victim of it themselves, but are reluctant to tell an adult. “Sometimes they just overlook it, but it can be serious. Encourage them to say something,” Sanford said.
Concerns about how much time young people are spending on screens is well known, as are the many negative mental health effects. As people of all ages compare their lives to what they see online, their self-image and overall mental well-being can suffer, mental health professionals agree.
“Be cautious of the time kids spend online,” said Sanford, “regulate it and monitor it.”
While it’s good to talk with parents or other trusted adults when a problem arises, that’s not always possible. NOVA offers several options for anyone, of any age, who may have concerns about their online behavior, or that of others.
NOVA’s Training Institute and school-based prevention programs provide a variety of ways to discuss online safety in schools and workplaces.
“By engaging in meaningful conversations about internet safety we can bridge the generational gap and work collectively toward safer digital environments,” the agency said, in a statement.
In addition to its programs, NOVA has:
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