The 7 realities of what your child could face in the digital world.

We are living in a digital world, monitoring your child while they learn or play online is not enough. Empower them with the skills to Think. Before they click! Keeping your child talking at every turn is the secret to a confident surfer of the future.

The seven realities that your child could face as they grow up in the digital world.

1. Online grooming:
   Predators use various digital mediums, chat rooms, or online gaming platforms to build relationships with children to gain their trust. They are master manipulators who can trick children into sharing personal information, engaging in inappropriate conversations, or even meeting in person.

2. Cyberbullying:
   The world is full of bullies, technology is now being used to harass, intimidate, or embarrass others and our children are often innocent targets of cyberbullying. This can happen through social media, messaging apps, or online games and even YouTube. This type of behaviour can have serious emotional and psychological effects on a child.

3. Phishing and scams:
   Often children unknowingly fall victim to phishing attempts or online scams. For example, they intercept a message or pop-up asking for personal information or payment details, disguised as legitimate requests or offers. If they can read, they can be tricked.

4. Exposure to inappropriate content:
   You cannot monitor your child 24 seven, children may stumble upon or be intentionally exposed to inappropriate content online. This includes explicit images, violence, hate speech, or extremist ideologies. This can occur through search engine results, social media, or even through seemingly harmless websites or apps. Preparing them to be able to identify, walk away and speak up against it is the best way to protect them.

5. Identity theft:
   Your child is special their name and images of them are precious. Children’s personal information, such as their name, images or address can be stolen and used for fraudulent purposes. This can happen if children unknowingly share such information online or if their parents’ or guardians’ online accounts are compromised.

6. Online challenges and dares:
   Often this only comes later but by teaching children they can say no, can never be taught too young. Some online trends or challenges can be dangerous or harmful to children. These challenges often involve self-harm, risky behaviour, or encourage them to make bad decisions.

7. Unwanted exposure and exploitation:
   Children could unintentionally share personal information, photos, even videos online that can be used by others for exploitation or blackmail. This will have long-lasting consequences for the child’s privacy, reputation, confidence, and safety.

Codey Crawler and the team from Social Kids, has made it their mission to help parents and children become more aware of the dangers that are out there and to start having the conversations now. It’s never too early to protect them. Together we can educate children about online safety, monitor their online activities, and establish open lines of communication to protect them from these potential risks. Armed with the detailed parental guides, fun adventures, and the support of Social Kids, you can face the digital world besides your child. Keeping them safe as best you can.