Protecting our Children from the Internet

This month, a headline in Texas reads, “Two teens have been arrested in connection with the suicide of Rebecca Sedwick, a teen who took her life over on-line bullying.”  Yale University did a review over the relationship between bullying and suicide.  They found that bullying victims are about five times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims (Kim, 2008).

As a counselor, I hear great concern from parents about their child’s internet and phone usage.  It’s challenging to keep up with what your child is viewing.  There are so many new apps and social media sights introduced daily.  In addition, there are also inappropriate websites; such as porn, that are easily accessible.

There are a few things parents can do to protect their children. First, become aware of the statistics. Second, educate yourself on ways to monitor internet usage.  Third, give them the support they need to go through this tempting and challenging stage while still making them feel loved and encouraged.

Become Aware:

Below are just some of the many statistics related to internet use and our youth.

·         66% of teens who have witnessed online cruelty have also witnessed others joining; 21% say they have also joined in the harassment (PEW Internet Research Center, FOSI, Cable in the Classroom, 2011)

·          52% of parents are worried their child will be bullied via social networking sites. (American Osteopathic Association, 2011)

·         65% of online sex offenders used the victim's social networking site to gain home and school information about the victim (Mitchell, 2010)

·         26% of online sex offenders used the victim's social networking site to gain information about the victim's whereabouts at a specific time. (Mitchell, 2010)

·         93% of boys and 62% of girls are exposed to Internet porn before the age of 18 (Sabine, 2008)

Educate Yourself:

White’s Chapel is offering a two part series to educate parents about internet use.  The first session is called, “Tech Talk: What Every Parent and Adult Needs to Know about the Internet”. It will be on October 27^th (Sunday) at 6:30pm in WC Bridge.

Jim Stalder is leading this discussion.  He is Chief Technology Officer at Cook Children's Health Care System. He believes every parent “can get control over the conversations with strangers, access to inappropriate movies on cable, pornography and countless other types of content. This discussion will help parents learn their options for managing access to Internet and controlling what type of content is seen in their household.”  

Support Your Children:

Children need our guidance.  They also need our understanding and support. Be patient. Children will make mistakes. These are opportunities for them to learn.  Demonstrate and show them grace, love, and forgiveness so that they will know how to show these traits to others.  

Today more than ever, our kids need our protection.  Don’t miss this upcoming event at White’s Chapel and learn how to keep your children safe.

God Bless you and your family,

Dr. Nina Rios-Doria

PhD Child Development

Licensed Professional Counselor 

References:

Kim, Y., & Leventhal, B. (2008). Bullying and suicide: A review. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and

Health, 20 (2), 133–154.

Mithcell, K. J., Finkelhor, D. F., Jones, L.M., & Wolak, J. W. (2010). Use of Social Networking Sites in Online Sex Crimes Against Minors: An Examination of National Incidence and Means of Utilization. Journal of Adolescent Health, 47 (2), 183-190.

Sabine, C., Wolak, J., & Finkelhor, D. (2008). The Nature and Dynamics of Internet Pornography Exposure for Youth. Cyber Psychology & Behavior, 11 (6), 691-693.