Today, with virtual learning being a more permanent part of our lifestyle, For All Seasons is highlighting the importance of online safety for children to prevent online sexual exploitation and increased exposure to pornography. As a result of the pandemic, children and adolescents are spending increased time online to stay educated, entertained, and socially connected. According to the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA), with this increased exposure, there is a risk for children encountering uncomfortable or high-risk predatory situations. It has never been easier for perpetrators to make contact with children, share abusive imagery, and profit while hiding their own identities.
ECPAT, an international organization focused solely on ending the sexual exploitation of children, explains that online sexual exploitation most commonly includes grooming, live streaming, consuming child sexual abuse material, and coercing and blackmailing children for sexual purposes. As technology advances, new forms of this crime emerge.
The effects of online sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse can lead to overwhelming emotional and psychological stress, causing a child to feel guilt, shame, fear, anxiety, sadness, numbness, shock, withdrawal, and isolation. They can also have trouble sleeping, experience nightmares, have difficulty concentrating, and or have feelings of being easily startled or on edge. Unlike other forms of abuse, there is a potential layer of revictimization, as images of abuse are reshared and recirculated on the internet countless times.
Tips to keeping children safe online:
- Explain that children should only play games or talk to friends they know in real life.
- Encourage children not to share private information or photos online as they can be made public.
- Learn what online platforms children use: social media, gaming apps like Roblox or Minecraft, text and video platforms like Discord, Twitch, etc.
- Review privacy settings available on these platforms and help children adjust their settings so locations cannot be identified and they can block anyone that makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Make sure children know where to seek help if they encounter something upsetting on the internet.
- Stay alert to signs of stress linked with online activity.
- Stay engaged in what your child is doing online – have computers placed in a central location, check in on their social media accounts, and ask questions, etc.
- Avoid making safety precautions seem like punishment.
Following best practices for online safety will help ensure that children’s screen time remains safe, social, fun, and educational. If you need further support and assistance, contact For All Seasons, Behavioral Health and Rape Crisis Center. The agency provides the highest level of mental health & victim services to children, adults & families across the Mid-Shore. Services are offered in both English & Spanish & include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy & 24HR crisis hotlines. 410-822-1018 | forallseasonsinc.org
Sources: https://mcasa.org/prevention/online-safety and https://www.ecpat.org
