Internet Safety and Digital Abuse
Child abuse can go unchecked online, far from parental supervision.
Preventing online child abuse starts with being aware of the risks and maintaining honest, open communication with your children.
Report online safety violations to the National Cyber Tipline: 1-800-843-5678 (available 24/7)
How to prevent online child abuse:
- Talk openly with your children, often. Ensuring that your child feels comfortable talking to you, even about uncomfortable topics, is key for abuse prevention.
- Use privacy settings and parental controls. Set clear technology boundaries and time limits for children. Keep in mind that restrictions on behavior may increase curiosity.
- Make time to be with your child one-on-one, away from technology. Building a sense of trust and security in your relationship with your child increases the chances they will come to you about abuse or inappropriate behaviors.
Signs of child abuse online include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive emotional reactions around technology or internet use.
- Hiding a screen or device when others are around.
- Withdrawing from social activities, friends, and family.
- Excessive screen time that is unusual or inappropriate.
- Children having secret passwords to devices and accounts.
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media provides age-based reviews and rating of media, apps, movies, and TV shows and identifies whether or not they are appropriate for children.
Common Sense Media
NetSmartz
NetSmartz provides age-appropriate materials and resources for online safety. The goal is to educate and empower children to make safer choices online and prevent online abuse.
NetSmartz
KidSmartz
KidSmartz educates elementary school age children on personal safety. This includes lessons, tips, and printable activites which teach children the difference between safe strangers, such as police and medical personnel, and dangerous strangers.
KidSmartz
Thorn for Parents
Thorn has guides for parents to start the conversation with children of all ages about internet safety including sexting, device access and monitoring, and how to navigate certain apps and platforms.
Thorn for Parents 