Sextortion, Cyberbullying and Screen Time – Safeguarding Your Teenager In The Online World
Sextortion, Cyberbullying & Screen Time – Safeguarding Teenagers In The Online World.
Written By: Ross Thompson
The Unique Challenges of Parenting in the Digital Age
Parents know that raising teenagers in today’s digital age presents unique challenges.
Consider these startling statistics: In 2024, around 21% of children and young people aged 11-18 reported having arranged to meet up with someone they first met online. This highlights the significant role online interactions now play in young people's social lives. However, it also raises serious concerns about their safety and awareness of potential dangers.
Equally alarming is the estimated tens of thousands of children in the UK who have been criminally exploited through online interactions. In 2023 alone, over 7,400 referrals were made to the National Referral Mechanism concerning children, with online grooming and exploitation as key factors.
And when it comes to device usage, around 60% of UK children in this age group are considered to be spending too much time on their mobile phones and other electronic devices.
In 2024, cases of extortion and blackmail, including ‘sextortion,’ rose significantly, with many teenagers, especially boys aged 14-17, falling victim.
These statistics reflect a growing and urgent issue that parents must face head-on.
Understanding the Risks of the Online World
Obviously, there is no doubt that there are growing risks in the online world. Teenagers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to threats that, while virtual, have very real consequences.
The 21% of children who arrange to meet up with strangers they first met online may be doing so out of a desire for connection or adventure, yet they may not fully understand the dangers or risks associated with this.
The increase in sextortion cases is particularly concerning, as it points to a broader issue of trust and vulnerability online, where many teenagers find themselves coerced into dangerous situations. The psychological impact of these crimes, combined with the pressures of excessive device use, can severely affect your teenager’s mental health and overall well-being.
This is why it’s critical to not only be aware of these issues but to take proactive steps to protect your children.
Practical Steps for Safeguarding Your Child
Parents will naturally feel overwhelmed to some degree by the ever-changing landscape of the internet and social media. However, there are steps you can take to safeguard your child.
Start by having open and honest conversations about the risks associated with online interactions. Encourage your child to share their online experiences with you and make it clear that they can come to you without fear of judgment or punishment.
Setting and enforcing clear boundaries around device usage is also essential. Create a family “contract” that outlines when and where devices can be used and stick to it consistently.
Monitoring your child’s online activity doesn’t mean invading their privacy; rather, it’s about ensuring they are safe and aware of the potential dangers they may face. Make sure they understand this.
Empowering Yourself with Knowledge
It’s also vital to educate yourself about the technology your child is using. This doesn’t mean you need to become an expert overnight, but gaining a basic understanding of the apps and platforms they are using will go a long way for you.
Familiarise yourself with parental controls and make use of them where necessary – including on the internet connection itself, as well as on the mobile phone network and any apps and consoles.
There are also plenty of resources available to help you stay informed about the latest online trends and threats. Remember, the goal is not to control your child’s online experience but to guide and support them as they navigate it.
Navigating the Digital World
If you're feeling unsure about where to start or how to implement these strategies effectively, you're not alone. Many parents I have worked with feel the same way, especially if they don't consider themselves to be "tech-savvy."
This is why I offer a specialised intervention designed to help parents just like you. My Online Safety session is a 1 hour 30 minute online group session that will equip you with essential knowledge and strategies to navigate the digital world confidently.
You'll learn how to protect your children while nurturing open communication with them, identify risks such as social media dangers, sextortion and online grooming, and understand the importance of digital footprints and the laws governing online behaviour.
This session is ideal for parents who want to encourage healthy dialogue about online behaviour, implement effective monitoring and parental controls and create a safer online environment for their family.
Empower yourself to take control and ensure your child's safety online – it's easier than you think, and they are relying on you to do it, even if they don't realise it yet. Book your place by clicking here. Alternatively, book through Eventbrite.
Ross Thompson
Empowering and upskilling young people, adults, professionals and parents through specialist coaching and intervention.
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