Teens spend nearly five hours on social media each day, the American Psychological Association highlights. The research further goes on to note that 41% of teens with the highest social media use rate their overall mental health as “poor” or “very poor.” In an increasingly connected world, parents constantly worry about online safety and healthy boundaries, often unsure of where to begin when integrating these practices. From basic safety practices to the value of proactive conversations and beyond, parents can provide a supportive environment that promotes a healthy and safe relationship with the internet in key ways.
The underestimated value of the basics
The basics of internet safety are a must for anyone who is online and will serve as the foundation for safe internet use for years to come. For young teens who are new to the internet, it’s important to stress that personal information should never be shared online (this includes passwords, addresses, locations, etc.). Online etiquette is another valuable lesson — for instance, it’s important that your teen understand that family members and friends can see what they do online, so it’s best to refrain from inappropriate language and always make kind interactions a priority.
While you don’t want to scare your teen, it’s crucial to teach them the risks of internet use as well. If they use email for school, for instance, it can be well worth your time to explain how phishing works (especially if they haven’t learned about it in school yet). Phishing is defined as a type of cyberattack in which attackers disguise themselves as legitimate entities in order to get individuals to reveal sensitive information, which is then used for malicious purposes like identity theft.
Phishing emails are the most common method hackers use to gain access to an environment, as they often mimic legitimate emails. Email security solutions and multi-factor authentication can help secure the account, though it’s equally as important to employ basic internet safety methods, too. For instance, while phishing emails often include signs such as subtle misspellings, it’s important to stress to your teen that no interaction (aside from report and block) is always best when an email seems suspicious.
Along with phishing concerns, it’s crucial to engage your teen in a conversation about strangers and other online users, emphasizing that not everyone is looking out for their best interests. In fact, 59% of U.S. teens have personally experienced at least one of six types of abusive online behaviors, highlights a survey from Pew Research Center. For instance, 25% of teens report receiving explicit images without their consent.
Whether it be unwanted messages, nonconsensual explicit images, cyberbullying, or simply an unknown individual who asks for personal information, it’s crucial to teach your teen about online privacy features. On social media, privacy settings can help immensely — a private profile, for example, will enable your child to accept friends who they know in real life. Other valuable features, such as block, report, and mute, are additional tools that your teen must be aware of, which can help put a stop to unwanted contact and harassment.
Communication is crucial
For parents whose children are chronically online, the worries are abundant. 42% of parents say they are extremely or very worried about their teen wasting too much time on social media, while 38% express the same level of concern about social media use becoming a distraction from homework, a Pew Research Center survey highlights. The research unveils additional worries, with nearly half of parents (46%) extremely or very worried that their teen’s use of social media could lead to the exposure of explicit content. While the basics of internet safety are a must in any kid’s metaphorical tech toolbox, an open line of communication about internet use is equally essential.
Whether it’s an online bully or an off-putting message from a stranger, one of the best things you can do is reassure your child that they can tell you anything. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in the UK recommends that parents make discussions about online activity a routine occurrence, which can help provide insight as to how your child is using the internet and how they feel about their time online.
Proactive discussions that encompass important aspects of online activity should be worked into the conversation as well. For example, if your teen has recently joined a new social media platform, a conversation about the privacy features can get them to think about those that could prove to be helpful.
The prevention of overuse
Internet safety goes hand in hand with responsible use, particularly in regard to the prevention of overuse. More than 22% of American parents were concerned that their children “might be dependent on the internet,” highlights a survey from researchers at the Child Mind Institute in New York City. The research further revealed that twice as many parents were worried about internet addiction as they were concerned about addiction to substances like alcohol or drugs.
Parents can help prevent internet overuse through the integration of screen time limits, though it’s important to do so in a proactive and kind way. Supporting your teen’s screen-free hobbies is a fantastic way to achieve this, whether you provide the supplies or take the opportunity for quality time spent together. Similarly, the encouragement of a new hobby may also spark interest. Sports, dance, crafting, or reading are just a few, while time spent in nature can underline another great way to spend screen-free time.
“There are many studies that demonstrate how spending time in nature can improve mood, lower anxiety, and improve cognition and memory,” Mayo Clinic nurse practitioner Jodie M. Smith, APRN., C.N.P., D.N.P., M.S.N., explains. From a beach day to a hike or even a trip to a national park, there are no shortage of ways to get offline and spend time surrounded by nature.
In a world that is more connected than ever before, online safety is a must — especially for young teens. From the value of the basics to open conversations about internet activity and the prevention of overuse, parents can support safe and healthy online interactions.
