Real Dangers of the Internet: Cyberbullying and More

Internet or Online dangers for children include bullying, seeing harmful content, and the risk of talking to strangers who may not be safe. Digital safety for children means protecting them from online risks.

Online safety strategies include setting up privacy settings, using tools to control what children see, and talking with kids about staying safe online.

Children today use the internet more than ever before. While it can be a great tool for learning and fun, it also comes with risks that can harm them.

As parents, teachers, and caregivers, it’s very important to understand these dangers so we can help keep kids safe. As children get older, the likelihood of being cyberbullied increases by 2% for every two years of age between 10 and 18. Girls (22.5%) are more likely to be cyberbullied than boys (16.0%).

Some common online risks include bullying, seeing upsetting content, or talking to strangers. Many children may also spend too much time online, which can affect their mental health. Knowing about these risks can help us teach children how to be careful.

This guide will explain the problems children face online and give simple tips to make the internet a safer place for them. By learning together, we can protect children and help them use the internet in a positive and safe way.

Meaning of Digital Safety for Children

Digital safety for children means keeping kids safe from online dangers while teaching them how to use the internet wisely.

It involves showing them the risks of things like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online strangers, and sharing personal information.

These are some important things to always remember for parents and teachers:

• Teach children about online risks
• Set clear rules for using the internet
• Use tools to control what they see online
• Talk openly about their online experiences
• Teach them to keep personal information safe
• Help them understand that what they do online can last forever

Digital safety is very important because many children face harmful online experiences, and there has been a big increase in online crimes.

Parents and teachers can help keep kids safe by teaching them smart internet habits.

Cyberbullying Facts and Numbers

Cyberbullying is a big problem for children and teenagers. These facts show how common it is:

How Many Kids Face Cyberbullying?

• 27% of kids aged 8-15 on social media have been cyberbullied.
• About 1 in 6 teens (15%) say they’ve been cyberbullied, with similar numbers for boys (15%) and girls (16%).
• In the US, nearly 29% of girls aged 13-17 and 24% of boys have been cyberbullied in the past month.
• Over time, 59% of girls and 49% of boys aged 13-17 have experienced cyberbullying.

Where Does It Happen?

• 1 in 5 kids aged 9-12 has seen or been part of cyberbullying.
• Cyberbullying happens on popular platforms:
  • YouTube: 79%
  • Snapchat: 69%
  • TikTok: 64%

The Effects of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can hurt education and mental health:

• 1 in 5 children worldwide has skipped school because of cyberbullying.
• Black middle-school students who are victims are more likely to think about suicide.
• Kids under 25 who face cyberbullying are twice as likely to self-harm or think about suicide.
• Children from families with lower incomes are twice as likely to be cyberbullied (22%) compared to those from higher-income households (11%).

What Are Parents Doing?

• Only 11% of teens talk to their parents about being cyberbullied.
• 29% of teens do nothing when cyberbullied.
• Less than 30% of parents feel the good of social media is worth the risks for their kids.

What are the most common online dangers children face?

The most common online dangers children face include:

1. Cyberbullying

Children can be bullied online through texts, social media, or forums. This bullying can happen anywhere and anytime, making it hard to escape. It can also affect a child’s self-esteem and cause anxiety or depression if not addressed.

In some cases, cyberbullying can lead to serious emotional and mental health issues, making it important for parents to stay involved. Seven out of ten parents with kids under 16 are concerned.

However, many parents (53%) haven’t spoken to their children about how much time they spend online, especially during the lockdown.

2. Inappropriate Content

Children may come across things that are not suitable for their age, like violence or bad pictures. These can hurt their emotional growth.

Exposure to such content can also lead to confusion or fear, as children may not understand what they’re seeing. Without proper guidance, children might mimic dangerous behavior they see online. Boys (48%) are more likely to see harmful content than girls (42%).

Also, 45% of children aged 8-17 have seen content that made them feel uncomfortable or worried. Lastly, Children receiving Free School Meals are more likely to see harmful content (54%) compared to their peers (40%).

3. Online Predators

Some people use the internet to trick children into trusting them. They might pretend to be friends to harm or take advantage of kids.

Many victims are between the ages of 12 and 15. Predators often use social media or online games to create fake profiles and manipulate children. It’s crucial for parents to monitor online activities and have open conversations about online safety.

4. Privacy Concerns

Children might share personal information like their name, address, or school without realizing the risks.

This can lead to identity theft or other problems.

Once personal information is online, it can be very difficult to remove, leaving children at risk for a long time. Even innocent details, like a favorite pet’s name, can be used to steal information or access accounts.

5. Malware and Scams

Children might accidentally download viruses or fall for tricks that steal their information. This can put their safety at risk. Many scams look like fun games or free offers, making them easy to mistake for something safe.

If malware is downloaded, it can slow down devices or steal sensitive information, causing long-term problems.

6. Social Media Addiction

Spending too much time on social media can affect a child’s mental and physical health, causing problems with sleep, mood, or social skills.

Many children face bullying on social media. For example:

• 79% of kids on YouTube
• 69% on Snapchat
• 64% on TikTok
  As children get older, their chances of being bullied online increase by 2% every two years between the ages of 10 and 18.

Children may also become overly focused on likes or comments, which can impact their self-worth.

Addiction to social media can lead to less time spent on real-world activities, affecting academic performance and relationships.

7. Sharing Regrettable Content

Children may post things they regret later, like pictures or messages. These can affect their future, such as getting into college or finding a job. Once something is shared online, it can be difficult to delete, and it may resurface years later. Even if the content is deleted, it might still be saved or shared by others, leading to lasting consequences.

8. Exposure to Misinformation

Children may not always tell if something online is true or false. This can confuse them and shape their understanding of the world in the wrong way.

They might believe fake news or harmful myths, which can influence their actions and decisions. Without proper guidance, children may spread misinformation themselves, further contributing to confusion and misunderstandings.

To protect children from these dangers, parents should talk to them about safe internet use, set clear rules, use parental controls, and teach them how to be responsible online.

Regular conversations about online experiences can help children feel more comfortable reporting any issues they face.

Internet Safety Statistics for Children 2023-2024

Social Media & Online Activity

Who’s Using Social Media

• 90% of children aged 11-16 have social media accounts.
• 40% of kids under 13 are using social media, even though they’re too young.
• Most kids get their first phone at 10 years old (younger than the age of 12 in 2019).

Devices

• 65% of children aged 8-11 own their own tablet.
• 45% of kids aged 9-12 use social media every day.

Popular Apps

• TikTok: 63% of users are under 16.
• Instagram: 57% of kids aged 12-15 are active users.
• Snapchat: 59% of kids aged 11-14 use it often.
• YouTube: 89% of kids watch videos there regularly.
• Gaming Platforms: 76% of kids play games online.

Online Risks & Exposure

Talking to Strangers

• 40% of children have chatted with people they don’t know online.
• 25% of kids have shared personal details online.
• 15% have met someone they first talked to online in person.

Inappropriate Messages

• 38% of kids have received messages that are not OK.
• 22% have been told to keep an online relationship a secret.

Seeing Harmful Content

• 34% have seen something inappropriate by accident.
• 45% have come across violent videos or pictures.
• 28% have seen harmful or dangerous behaviours.

Parental Supervision

How Parents Watch Over Kids Online

• 50% use tools to block unsafe websites.
• 43% check what their kids are doing online.
• 35% set limits on screen time.

Parent Education

• 67% of parents feel unsure about talking to their kids about online dangers.
• 48% wish they had more help to teach their kids about online safety.

Cyberbullying

Incidents of Cyberbullying

• There has been a 59% rise in cyberbullying since 2019.
• 37% of children faced cyberbullying in 2023.
• Most cyberbullying happens in messages or comments on social media.

How Kids React

• 42% tell their parents.
• 35% tell teachers.
• 28% don’t tell anyone.

Time Spent Online

Daily Internet Use

• Kids spend an average of 3.5 hours a day online.
• 23% say they use the internet too much.
• 45% go online in their bedrooms.

These numbers show how children are spending their time online, the dangers they face, and how parents and schools can help them stay safe.

We need to work together to teach kids about online safety and help them make smart choices while using the internet.

Strategies to Keep Children Safe Online

The internet is a fantastic place for learning and fun, but it can also be dangerous for children. Here are simple and effective ways to protect kids online:

1. Talk About It

• Always encourage children to share what they do online, good or bad.
• Make them feel safe discussing anything that worries or upsets them.
• Show interest in their online activities by asking questions and chatting regularly about what they enjoy.

2. Teach Them About Online Safety

• Show them how to keep personal information private.
• Teach them that what they post online stays there forever.
• Help them use privacy settings on apps and websites.
• Teach them to think carefully about what they see online—like fake news or scams.

3. Use Parental Controls

• Install parental controls to block unsafe websites and limit what they can access.
• Set up age-appropriate settings on their devices.
• Keep computers and tablets in shared areas like the living room for easier supervision.

4. Set a Good Example

• Show responsible online behaviour, like keeping personal details private and being kind online.
• Limit your own screen time to encourage balance.
• Respect others’ privacy, and explain why this matters.

5. Have Family Rules About the Internet

• Create clear rules about when, where, and how long kids can use the internet.
• Agree on consequences if they break these rules.
• Explain what to do if they see something upsetting or unsafe online.

6. Learn About Technology

• Stay up to date with the apps, games, and trends your children use.
• Talk to other parents or join workshops to learn about online safety.
• Use kid-friendly search engines and safe browsing tools.

7. Be Careful with Social Media

• Follow age rules for platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
• Set their accounts to private and show them how to block or report users.
• Explain why they should be cautious when sharing pictures or personal information.

8. Promote Screen-Free Fun

• Plan activities that don’t involve screens, like sports, arts, or family outings.
• Set times when everyone takes a break from technology, like during meals.

9. Online Privacy and Security

• Teach kids not to share their full name, address, phone number, or school online.
• Help them create strong passwords and keep them secret.
• Explain how to spot fake emails or suspicious links.

10. Keep an Eye on Online Gaming

• Check the games your kids play and make sure they are age-appropriate.
• Set up controls on gaming consoles to block inappropriate content.
• Talk about the risks of chatting with strangers while playing games.

11. Spot the Signs of Trouble

• If your child becomes secretive about their online activity, it might be worth a closer look.
• Notice if they seem upset or worried after being online—it could mean they’ve experienced cyberbullying.
• Keep an eye on unexpected purchases or strange emails linked to their accounts.

12. Work with Schools

• Find out your child’s school rules about internet safety and help them follow them at home.
• Go to any workshops or talks the school offers about online safety.
• Ask schools to teach digital skills and online safety in class.

13. If Something Goes Wrong

• Stay calm and listen if your child tells you about an online issue.
• Save evidence of bullying or harmful content (like screenshots).
• Report serious problems to the right authorities, such as the police or child protection services.

14. Keep Talking and Updating

• Regularly check in with your kids about their internet use.
• Update family rules as your children grow and technology changes.

Final Thoughts

Protecting children online is about finding the right balance. By teaching them how to make safe choices and talking openly, we can help them enjoy the good things the internet offers without putting themselves in danger.

It’s important to set boundaries, use tools like parental controls, and stay involved in what they do online.

Checking in regularly and updating safety rules will help us stay ready for any new problems. Let’s work together to make the internet a safe place for our kids and help them grow up using it responsibly!

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