essay about online dangers

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• 12 May 2024

Is the Internet bad for you? Huge study reveals surprise effect on well-being

• Carissa Wong

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People who had access to the Internet scored higher on measures of life satisfaction in a global survey. Credit: Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via Getty

A global, 16-year study 1 of 2.4 million people has found that Internet use might boost measures of well-being, such as life satisfaction and sense of purpose — challenging the commonly held idea that Internet use has negative effects on people’s welfare.

US TikTok ban: how the looming restriction is affecting scientists on the app

“It’s an important piece of the puzzle on digital-media use and mental health,” says psychologist Markus Appel at the University of Würzburg in Germany. “If social media and Internet and mobile-phone use is really such a devastating force in our society, we should see it on this bird’s-eye view [study] — but we don’t.” Such concerns are typically related to behaviours linked to social-media use, such as cyberbullying, social-media addiction and body-image issues. But the best studies have so far shown small negative effects, if any 2 , 3 , of Internet use on well-being, says Appel.

The authors of the latest study, published on 13 May in Technology, Mind and Behaviour , sought to capture a more global picture of the Internet’s effects than did previous research. “While the Internet is global, the study of it is not,” said Andrew Przybylski, a researcher at the University of Oxford, UK, who studies how technology affects well-being, in a press briefing on 9 May. “More than 90% of data sets come from a handful of English-speaking countries” that are mostly in the global north, he said. Previous studies have also focused on young people, he added.

To address this research gap, Pryzbylski and his colleagues analysed data on how Internet access was related to eight measures of well-being from the Gallup World Poll , conducted by analytics company Gallup, based in Washington DC. The data were collected annually from 2006 to 2021 from 1,000 people, aged 15 and above, in 168 countries, through phone or in-person interviews. The researchers controlled for factors that might affect Internet use and welfare, including income level, employment status, education level and health problems.

Like a walk in nature

The team found that, on average, people who had access to the Internet scored 8% higher on measures of life satisfaction, positive experiences and contentment with their social life, compared with people who lacked web access. Online activities can help people to learn new things and make friends, and this could contribute to the beneficial effects, suggests Appel.

The positive effect is similar to the well-being benefit associated with taking a walk in nature, says Przybylski.

However, women aged 15–24 who reported having used the Internet in the past week were, on average, less happy with the place they live, compared with people who didn’t use the web. This could be because people who do not feel welcome in their community spend more time online, said Przybylski. Further studies are needed to determine whether links between Internet use and well-being are causal or merely associations, he added.

The study comes at a time of discussion around the regulation of Internet and social-media use , especially among young people. “The study cannot contribute to the recent debate on whether or not social-media use is harmful, or whether or not smartphones should be banned at schools,” because the study was not designed to answer these questions, says Tobias Dienlin, who studies how social media affects well-being at the University of Vienna. “Different channels and uses of the Internet have vastly different effects on well-being outcomes,” he says.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01410-z

Vuorre, M. & Przybylski, A. K. Technol. Mind Behav . https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000127 (2024).

Article   Google Scholar  

Heffer, T. et al. Clin. Psychol. Sci. 7 , 462–470 (2018).

Coyne, S. M., Rogers, A. A., Zurcher, J. D., Stockdale, L. & Booth, M. Comput. Hum. Behav . 104 , 106160 (2020).

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Top 15 internet safety rules and what not to do online

So much of our daily life revolves around the internet, from work to education and even talking with friends. A  2021 survey  found that the average US household had around 25 internet-connected devices, up from 11 in 2019. The more online accounts and devices you have, the greater the scope for cybercriminals to cause you harm. That’s why it's now ever more essential to understand internet safety rules which protect you and your family from threats that may harm your data and devices. Read on to find out about key internet dangers and the ways to stay safe online.

The Key Dangers of the Internet

When you and your family use the internet, you are (often unknowingly) exposing yourself to a wide range of potential online threats. Digital landscapes as we know them are constantly evolving as cybercriminals devise new ways to target internet users. Here is a list of just some of the biggest internet dangers you and your family need to watch out for:

• Identity theft.
• Data breaches.
• Malware and viruses.
• Phishing and scam emails.
• Fake websites.
• Online scams.
• Romance scams.
• Inappropriate content.
• Cyberbullying.
• Faulty privacy settings.

Essential Internet Safety Tips

To avoid all of these dangers, we recommend following our essential internet safety tips when you or your family are online:

1. Make sure you’re using a secure internet connection

Although using public Wi-Fi is not recommended, it’s sometimes unavoidable when you are out and about. However, when you go online in a public place and use a  public Wi-Fi  connection, you have no direct control over its security, which could leave you vulnerable to cyberattacks. So, if you are using public Wi-Fi, avoid carrying out personal transactions that use sensitive data, such as online banking or online shopping.

If you need to do any one of these, use a  Virtual Private Network or VPN . A VPN will protect any of the data you send over an unsecured network via real-time encryption. If you don't use a VPN, we recommend saving any personal transactions until you can use a trusted internet connection. You can find out more about what a VPN is here .

2. Choose strong passwords

Passwords are one of the biggest weak spots when it comes to cybersecurity. People often choose passwords that are easy to remember and, therefore, easy for hackers to crack with hacking software. In addition to this, using the same password for multiple sites puts your data at further risk. If hackers obtain your credentials from one site, they can potentially access other websites which use the same login details.

Select  strong passwords  that are harder for cybercriminals to crack. A strong password is:

• Long – made up of at least 12 characters (ideally more).
• A mix of characters – upper-case and lower-case letters plus symbols and numbers.
• Avoids the obvious – such as using sequential numbers (“1234”) or personal information that someone who knows you might guess (or that might already be online), such as your date of birth or a pet’s name.
• Avoids memorable keyboard paths.

Using a  password manager  can help. Password managers help users create strong passwords, store them in a digital vault (which is protected by a single master password) and retrieve them when logging into accounts online.

3. Enable multi-factor authentication where you can

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that asks users to provide two or more verification methods to access an online account. For example, instead of simply asking for a username or password, multifactor authentication goes further by requesting additional information, such as:

• An extra one-time password that the website's authentication servers send to the user's phone or email address.
• Answers to personal security questions.
• A fingerprint or other biometric information, such as voice or face recognition.

Multifactor authentication decreases the likelihood of a successful cyberattack. To make your online accounts more secure, it’s a good idea to implement multifactor authentication where possible. You can also consider using a third-party authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator or Authy, to help with your internet security.

4. Keep software and operating systems updated

Developers are constantly working to make products safe, monitoring the latest threats and rolling out security patches in case of vulnerabilities in their software. By using the latest versions of your operating systems and apps, you will benefit from the latest security patches. This is especially important for apps that contain payment, health or other sensitive information about a user.

5. Check that websites look and feel reliable

For any website you visit, especially ones you transact with (such as e-commerce sites), it's crucial that they are reliable. A key element to look out for is an SSL/security certificate . This means, lookout for URLs that start with “HTTPS” rather than “HTTP” (the “S” stands for “secure”) and have a padlock icon in the address bar. Other trust signals include:

• Text which is free from spelling and grammar mistakes – reputable brands will make an effort to ensure their websites are well-written and proofread.
• Images that are not pixelated and fit the screen's width correctly.
• Ads that feel organic and are not too overpowering.
• No sudden changes in color or theme. In some cases, where users have interacted with a particular website and returned to a familiar page from a link, subtle color or design changes might indicate forgery.
• The accepted standards of online payments – legitimate ecommerce websites use credit or debit card portals or PayPal, only. If a website is using another form of digital money transfer to accept payments, it is probably fraudulent.

6. Review your privacy settings and understand privacy policies

Marketers love to know all about you, and so do hackers. Both can learn a lot from your browsing and social media usage. But you can take charge of how much information third-parties can access. Both web browsers and mobile operating systems have settings to protect your privacy online. Social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, amongst others, have privacy-enhancing settings that you can activate. It’s worth taking a while to review your privacy settings across the board and make sure they are set to a level you are comfortable with.

Many of us accept privacy policies without reading them, but with so much data used for marketing and advertising (and hacking) purposes, it's a good idea to review the privacy policies of websites and apps you use, in order to understand how your data is collected and analyzed. However, bear in mind that even if your settings are set to private, very little data online is totally private. Hackers, website administrators and law enforcement could still have access to the information you regard as private.

7. Be careful of suspicious links and where you click

A careless click can expose your personal data online or infect your device with  malware . That’s why it's essential to browse consciously and avoid certain types of online content – such as links from untrusted sources and spam emails, online quizzes, clickbait, ‘free’ offers or unsolicited ads.

If you receive an email that you're not sure about, avoid clicking on any links in it or opening any attachments.

In fact, it's best to avoid opening untrusted emails at all. If you’re not sure whether an email is legitimate or not, go directly to the source. For example, if you receive a suspicious email from your “bank”, call your bank and ask them if the email is genuine.

When you’re on a website, make sure links click through to relevant or expected topics. For example, if you click on a link that you think is about safaris in Africa, but instead you're taken to a clickbait-style page about celebrity weight loss or a “where are they now?” style piece, then quickly close the page.

8. Make sure your devices are secure

With up to 60% of people using mobile devices for shopping and finding information online, instead of a desktop, it’s important that they are secured correctly. With all your devices – phones, computers, tablets, smartwatches, smart TVs, etc. – it's good practice to use passwords or passcodes and other security options like fingerprint readers or face-scanning technology. These measures will reduce the likelihood of a cyberattack or your personal data being stolen by hackers.

9. Backup data regularly

It's important to backup important personal information on external hard drives and regularly create new backups.  Ransomware  – a type of malware – involves cybercriminals locking your computer so you can’t access valuable files. Backing up your data – and your family’s data – helps mitigate the impact of a ransomware attack. You can protect yourself further with appropriate security software. Other forms of malware deny you access to your personal data by overwhelming your system or simply deleting files, so be careful.

10. Close unused accounts

Over the years, many of us accumulate old accounts that we no longer use. These can be a weak link in terms of safety when using the internet – not only are old accounts more likely to have weaker passwords, but some of those sites may have poor data protection policies. In addition, cybercriminals could piece together the information you have left in them, for example, old social media profiles – such as your date of birth or location, etc. – to build up a picture of your identity in an attempt to hack you later. As a result, we recommend closing your old online accounts and requesting that your data be deleted from the relevant third-party servers.

11. Be careful what you download

A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware, which can be used to open a “backdoor” to your machine. Malware might be disguised as an app – anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather. Or, it could be hidden on a malicious website that attempts to install malware on your device.

Malware causes damage – such as disrupting how your device operates, stealing your personal data or allowing unauthorized access to your machine. This usually requires some action on your part, but there are also  drive-by downloads , where a website attempts to install software on your computer without asking for permission first. Think carefully before visiting a new website or downloading anything onto your device, and only download content from trusted or official sources. Regularly check your download folders and if unknown files appear on your system (potentially, from a drive-by), delete them immediately.

12. Be careful what you post and where

The internet does not have a delete key. Any comment or image you post online may stay online forever because removing the original won’t remove any copies that other people may have made. There is no way for you to ‘take back’ a comment you wish you hadn't made or remove an embarrassing image you posted. So, don't put anything online that you would not want a parent or prospective employer to see.

Similarly, be careful about disclosing personal information about yourself online. For example, avoid disclosing your social security number, address or date of birth in social media bios. You wouldn't hand personal information out to strangers individually, so don't hand it out to millions of people online.

Be careful about where you display or submit your email address. It's good to have a secondary, throwaway email account that you use solely for email sign-ups and subscriptions, separate from the one you use for friends and family, and separate from the one you use for work.

13. Be careful who you meet online

People you meet online are not always who they claim to be. Indeed, they may not even be real. Fake social media profiles are a popular way for hackers to groom unwary internet users and pick their cyber pockets. Apply the same caution in your online social life as you would for your in-person social life. This is particularly true with  the rise of online dating scams in recent years .

14. Double check online information

Sadly, fake news, misinformation and disinformation are all present on the internet. It's easy to feel lost with the flood of information we're exposed to every day. If you read something you are unsure of, do your own research to establish the facts. Reliable websites will have references to the original information and source materials. Suspicious pages won’t offer any references at all. Read  our guide to spotting fake news here .

15. Use a good antivirus and keep it updated

As well as following safety tips for online behavior, it's essential to use a good quality antivirus provider . Internet security software guards your devices and data and blocks common threats like viruses and malware (plus complex ones like spy apps, “cryptolockers” and XSS attacks). As with all operating systems and apps, it's essential to keep your antivirus updated to stay ahead of the latest cyberthreats.

3 Online safety rules for the kids

Although many of the tips to stay safe online are the same for adults and children, they are not easy or straightforward to explain. Often, children can accidentally be a gateway for malicious actors to gain access to your digital systems. It is therefore important to teach your kids the essentials of staying safe online in order to protect your home network from any unwanted accidents. Here are 3 areas that you should cover:

Digital Footprint

Your digital footprint, what exists of you online after usage, is an important concept that children need to know about. When teaching children about this, it’s important to focus on how information is readily available and how others could interact with this data (for example, email addresses and usernames that contain identifying information, which could be used for criminal activity). Wider discussions can also come from this, such as sharing content online (through social media, gaming accounts and emails). Make sure to clearly state what content is not allowed on the internet (photos, address, phone numbers and middle names).

Strong passwords are integral to modern cybersecurity measures today. Instructing children from a young age about the importance of strong passwords (ones that consists of at least 12 characters and are a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols) and their appropriate storage is one of the simplest ways to make the internet safer for your family. This is also why it can be very useful to have a password management system that can automatically fill in password credentials for different websites.

Communication

One of the most accessed routes for all manner of cybercriminal, online messaging and communication is a “must-have” conversation for your children’s safety. Primarily, it is important to explain how to identify and avoid messages, suspicious links, downloads or emails from strangers asking for identifying information online. This can also lead to a wider discussion about how to detect phishing scams and fake websites. The second most important part of safe online communication is correct engagement with others. Much like the real world, staying safe can sometimes depend on staying vigilant, engaging in polite communication and learning how to identify and not engage with bullying. Educate your child on what cyberbullying looks like and how to act kindly to others online.

Recommended products:

• Kaspersky Safe Kids
• Kaspersky Home Security
• Kaspersky Password Manager

Further reading:

• Do’s and don’ts for teaching internet safety to kids
• What is a security breach and how to avoid one?
• What is a Digital Footprint?
• Spam & Phishing | Phishing Scam Threats

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September 18, 2023

Here’s How to Actually Keep Kids and Teens Safe Online

Controversial policy proposals such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) are making headway across the country, but there are other ways to help protect young people in the digital world

By Lauren Leffer

fotostorm/Getty Images

The Internet can be a risky place. There are endless feeds filled with posts that contain graphic sexual and violent content, glamorize eating disorders, encourage self-harm or promote discriminatory and offensive diatribes. People often share too much personal information with a too-public audience that includes cyberbullies and strangers with ill intent. And they also risk losing time: by spending hours online, they might miss out on experiences and growth opportunities that can be found elsewhere. These problems are particularly acute for children and teenagers, and new laws that attempt to protect youth from the Internet’s negative effects have their own serious downsides. Scientific American spoke with experts about the best evidence-backed ways to actually keep kids safe online.

Young people spend a huge chunk of their lives on the Internet. For most teens in the U.S., the bulk of their waking hours play out in front of network-connected screens, according to surveys from the nonprofit organization Common Sense and from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry . Kids younger than age 13 aren’t that far behind; they spend upward of five hours online daily.

Though the exact impacts of online activity aren’t yet well understood , it’s clear that what happens on the Internet does matter for young people’s well-being. “I don’t know that we can say ‘cause and effect’ at this point,” says Mary Alvord, a practicing psychologist who specializes in treating children and adolescents and is an adjunct associate professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine. “But we can make correlational statements,” she adds, noting that excessive time spent on social media has been associated with poor mental health among kids and teens.

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Both the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association issued health advisories earlier this year about potential harms of online social media to youth. Each advisory is clear: online activity carries benefits and risks, and more work is needed to understand and mitigate the downsides.

In recent months lawmakers have introduced and enacted policies ostensibly aimed at doing just that. Multiple states have imposed age restrictions for certain types of online content. At the national level, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has advanced out of a Senate committee and awaits consideration on the legislative floor. But experts are divided on whether age-restriction efforts and sweeping policies such as KOSA are set to help young people or harm them.

Proponents of KOSA, including the American Psychological Association, say that the legislation could be a positive first step toward holding tech companies accountable for their impact. Conversely, critics such as the American Civil Liberties Union fear that some of its provisions will reduce online freedoms, restrict access to information and penalize vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ+ youth by leaving the moderation and definition of harmful content up to state officials, who may have their own political agendas. Earlier this month one co-sponsor of the bill, Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, appeared to imply that in her state, KOSA would be used to block minors from accessing information about transgender issues. Jamie Susskind, Senator Blackburn’s legislative director, has denied the senator was making any claims about using KOSA to censor trans content. “KOSA will not—nor was it designed to—target or censor any individual or community,” Susskind posted on X (formerly Twitter).*

But these controversial policies aren’t the only way to promote online safety. Other legislative actions that are less focused on censorship, along with clear content guidelines and better social media design, could help. Plus, digital safety researchers and psychologists agree that getting families, schools and young people themselves involved would make a big difference in keeping kids safe.

Digital privacy legislation is one alternate policy path that might shift the online landscape for the better. “If people’s data is treated with respect in ways that are transparent and accountable, actually, it turns out a whole set of safety risks get mitigated,” says social psychologist Sonia Livingstone, who researches children and online media at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

A comprehensive data privacy bill could require social media companies to disclose when user data are being collected and sold—and to obtain consent first. This would help users make better choices for themselves, Livingstone says. Limiting the data that tech platforms amass and profit from could also help block the proliferation of algorithms that emphasize increasingly extreme content in order to hold social media users’ attention. Additionally, privacy legislation could ideally enable users to request the removal of content or data they no longer want online—potentially protecting kids (and everyone else) from their own short-term choices, Alvord says.

Beyond privacy, national guidelines for social media sites could help. Livingstone and Alvord suggest that a content rating system like those used for movies, TV shows and video games might help young people avoid inappropriate content—and allow families to set firmer boundaries. Design features that let users block others and limit the audience for specific posts allow kids and teens to take the reins of their own safety—which is critical, says Pamela Wisniewski, a Vanderbilt University computer scientist, who studies human-computer interaction and adolescent online safety.

Parental controls can be appropriate for younger kids, but teens need the chance to exercise autonomy online, Wisniewski says. Such freedom lets them engage in some of the Internet’s positive aspects: civic engagement opportunities, community and educational resources, identity exploration and connections beyond one’s own social bubble. To ensure these benefits are accessible to all, youth should be directly involved formulating regulations and safety strategies, Wisniewski adds. As part of her research, she holds workshops with teens to involve them in co-designing online safety interventions. Though this program, called Teenovate, is in the early stages, some ideas have already emerged from it. Among them: social platforms could provide “nudges” that would ask users to think twice before sharing personal data and prompt would-be bad actors to reconsider personal requests or bullying behavior.

Education is another important way to reach young people. They may be digital natives, but there’s a lot for them to learn about engaging with the Internet safely. “You ask young people what they would like to learn about in school; they would love better digital literacy,” Livingstone says. “They’d love to be taught about data ecology. They’d love to understand how algorithms work.” And existing coursework should adapt to include discussions of online issues, Wisniewski adds. For instance, sex education classes could add modules about dealing with sexual solicitation online or learning safer ways to “sext.” Studies suggest that sexting, or sharing intimate information via digital devices, is practiced by 25 percent to 35 percent of teenagers.

Engaging with the ways youth use the Internet instead of dismissing them is key to improving young people’s experience—at their schools, in their families and under policies that affect them. Kids and teens are often better versed in the latest apps and platforms than their parents are. This dynamic can breed misunderstanding and judgment, and it can make open conversations about online struggles difficult, says psychologist Mitch Prinstein, who studies technology and adolescent development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “We’ve inadvertently communicated to our kids that we don’t understand or care and [that] we’re not going to be empathic or interested in talking about their online experiences,” Prinstein explains. “What we should be doing is just the opposite: saying, ‘This seems really important, and you’re spending a lot of time on it.’”

From that place of openness and curiosity, caregivers are much better positioned to help kids and teens develop resilience and healthier online habits. The online world “isn’t good or bad,” Alvord says. “It’s what we make of it, how we use it, how much we use it.” Accepting that “it’s here to stay,” she says, is the first step toward finding real and meaningful safety solutions.

*Editor’s Note (9/18/23): This paragraph was updated after posting to include a comment made on social media by Jamie Susskind, Senator Marsha Blackburn’s legislative director.

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Protecting children online, every child must be protected from violence, exploitation and abuse on the internet..

• Violence against children
• Violence online

Children are spending more time online than ever before. And they’re getting there sooner. Around the world, a child goes online for the first time every half second.

Growing up online offers limitless opportunities. Through computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, and televisions, children learn, imagine and develop their social networks. When used in the right way – and accessible to all – the internet has the potential to broaden horizons and ignite creativity the world over.

But with these opportunities come serious risks.

Cyberbullying and other forms of peer-to-peer violence can affect young people each time they log in to social media or instant messaging platforms. When browsing the internet, children may be exposed to hate speech and violent content – including messages that incite self-harm and even suicide.

Children can also be put at risk when tech companies breach their privacy to collect data for marketing purposes. Child-targeted marketing through apps – and the excessive screen time it often results in – can compromise a child’s healthy development.

More than a third of young people in 30 countries report being cyberbullied, with 1 in 5 skipping school because of it.

Most alarming is the threat of online sexual exploitation and abuse . It has never been easier for child sex offenders to contact their potential victims, share imagery and encourage others to commit offences. Children may be victimized through the production, distribution and consumption of sexual abuse material, or they may be groomed for sexual exploitation, with abusers attempting to meet them in person or exhort them for explicit content.

In the digital world, any person from any location can create and store sexually exploitative content. Child sex offenders may even livestream sexual abuse from the confines of their homes, directing on-demand abuse of children far away.

Some 80% of children in 25 countries report feeling in danger of sexual abuse or exploitation online.

As children embrace more digital platforms, they too may self-generate sexually explicit imagery. And though these images might be intended for an age-appropriate relationship, they can end up widely shared without consent. Sometimes, trusted adults solicit children to share imagery. For a child victim, this may result in social isolation, mental health issues, substance abuse, self-harm or suicide, as well as an increased likelihood of exhibiting abusive behaviours themselves in adulthood.

UNICEF’s response

What happens online reflects the realities children face every day – at home, at school and in their wider communities.

Strategies to promote online safety must protect the educational and health benefits of digital technologies, while addressing the risks of exposure to violence, exploitation, and abuse, as well as to privacy breaches.

UNICEF works to make the internet a safe place for children to learn, socialize and express themselves. We partner with governments to advocate for necessary regulation, and with tech companies to promote the use of acceptable safety measures on their platforms. We also support ministries of education to teach children digital-literacy and online-safety skills.

Through our Global Kids Online   and Disrupting Harm projects, we gather evidence on children’s digital rights, opportunities and risks to better understand how use of digital technology contributes to their lives – and when it amplifies their risk of harm.

How does UNICEF address the online sexual exploitation of children?

UNICEF prevents and responds to the online sexual exploitation of children at the country and global level. We support coordinated national responses to online child sexual exploitation in over 20 countries – using the WePROTECT Global Alliance model – and strengthen the capacity of on-the-ground responders to provide services to victims. We work closely with governments to guide investments in evidence-based preventive programmes and awareness-raising. And we collaborate with tech companies to make digital products safer for children, providing industry guidelines and developing cutting-edge tools to stop the circulation of child sexual abuse materials.

More from UNICEF

Growing concern for well-being of children and young people amid soaring screen time

Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it

What teens want to know about cyberbullying

DR Congo: Children killed, injured, abducted, and face sexual violence in conflict at record levels for third consecutive year – UNICEF

On World Poetry Day, hundreds of children affected by conflict and war share Poems for Peace

Ending online child sexual exploitation and abuse , addressing technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse in the face of covid 19  , covid-19 and its implications for protecting children online: a technical note from unicef and partners, the state of the world’s children, 2017: children in a digital world, perils and possibilities: growing up online, guidelines for industry on online child protection  , advocacy brief: child online protection, weprotect global alliance: intelligence brief impact of covid-19 on online child sexual exploitation, weprotect global alliance: global threat assessment, 2019 – working together to end the sexual exploitation of children online, weprotect global alliance: preventing and tackling child sexual exploitation and abuse – a model national response, weprotect global alliance: working examples of model national response capabilities and implementation, global kids online, disrupting harm, online course: action to end child sexual exploitation and abuse, legislating for the digital age: global guide on improving legislative frameworks to protect children from online sexual exploitation and abuse framing the future: how the model national response framework is supporting national efforts to end child sexual exploitation and abuse online.

Last updated 23 June 2022

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How the internet can harm us, and what can we do about it?

The internet has received much negative news coverage in recent years.

Written by Gianluca Quaglio,

The internet has received much negative news coverage in recent years. Articles focus on major privacy scandals and security breaches, the proliferation of fake news, rampant harmful behaviours like cyber-bullying, cyber-theft, revenge porn, the exchange of child porn and internet predation, internet addiction, and the negative effects of the internet on social relations and social cohesion. Nevertheless, some 87 % of European households have internet access at home, and 65 % use mobile devices to access the internet. Europeans aged 16 to 24 years spend 168 minutes per day on mobile internet, dropping to 30 minutes for 55 to 64-year olds. Around 88 % of 15 to 24-year olds use social media, 80 % on a daily basis.

While the social and economic benefits of the internet cannot be denied, some of these developments can severely affect such European values as equality, respect for human rights and democracy. Technology companies are under increasing pressure to mitigate these harmful effects, and politicians and opinion leaders are advocating drastic measures.

The recently published STOA study on ‘Harmful internet use’ covers the damage associated with internet use on individuals’ health, wellbeing and functioning, and the impact on social structures and institutions. While the study does not attempt to cover all possible societal harm relating to the internet, Part I focuses on one specific cause of harm, internet addiction, and Part II covers a range of harmful effects on individuals and society that are associated with internet use. The report concludes with policy options for their prevention and mitigation.

Other studies have already extensively discussed some harmful effects, and these are already subject to a history of policy actions. These include harm to privacy, harm related to cybersecurity and cybercrime, and damage resulting from digital divides. In contrast, this study covers the less-studied but equally important harmful effects that concern individuals’ health, wellbeing and functioning, the quality of social structures and institutions, and equality and social inclusion.

Internet addiction and problematic internet use                             

Internet addiction and problematic internet use prevalence rates vary across studies and countries. The noteworthy discrepancy in prevalence estimates has a number of causes, including the different populations studied, as well as the various diagnostic tools and assessment criteria utilised. With this in mind, it appears that roughly 4 % of European adolescents demonstrate a pathological use of the internet that affects their life and health, while 13 % of adolescents engage in maladaptive behaviour when using the internet. Similar numbers are reported for adults.

Part I of the study focuses on generalised internet addiction, online gaming addiction, and online gambling addiction. Clinical presentations, patient profiling, comorbidities, instruments, interventions, and prognoses are different across these three potential addiction disorders. The study states that the individual, cultural and media-use context significantly contributes to the experience and severity of internet addiction.

The study proposes a set of preventive actions, and evidence to support future policies . It states that offering information, screening tools and campaigns to students in secondary schools and at universities regarding internet-use-related addiction problems can help, especially regarding gaming addiction in adolescent populations. This will require allocating research and resources for schools and their staff, and for families, as well as the establishment of working relationships with health professionals and services.

Harmful social and cultural effects associated with internet use

Part II of the study identifies a number of different harmful social and cultural effects associated with internet use. The evidence points to the occurrence of significant damage to both individuals and society. Some of these harmful effects are described briefly below:

Information overload: Having too much information to be able to adequately understand an issue or make effective decisions. Information overload is associated with loss of control, feelings of being overwhelmed, reduced intellectual performance, and diminished job satisfaction. Studies show that information overload affects up to 20-30% of people.

Damage to social relationships: Extensive internet use, of social media in particular, is correlated with loneliness and social isolation. Intimate relationships can be degraded by internet use, particularly due to viewing online pornography. Malicious online behaviour, particularly cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking and online predation, affects a significant percentage of internet users.

Impaired public/private boundaries: The way in which the internet and smartphones blur the distinction between private and public, and between different spheres of life, including work, home life and leisure, harms the boundaries between people’s public and private lives. Harmful effects that can result from such permeations include loss of quality of life, lack of privacy, decreased safety and security, and harm to social relations – when friends and family members feel they are left behind by new technology.

Harmful effects on cognitive development: Empirical evidence suggests that internet use can have both positive and negative impacts on cognitive development, depending on the person and the circumstances. There is evidence that children’s cognitive development can be damaged by prolonged internet use, including the development of memory skills, attention span, abilities for critical reasoning, language acquisition, reading, and learning abilities. More research is however needed to draw more reliable conclusions.

Damage to communities: Many off-line communities suffer through the partial migration of human activities – shopping, commerce, socialising, leisure activities, professional interactions – to the internet. Online communities sometimes extend off-line communities and sometimes replace them. They are often inadequate replacements, however, as they do not possess some of the valuable or the strongest qualities of off-line communities, and communities may consequently suffer from impoverished communication, incivility, and a lack of trust and commitment.

The study identifies a number of broad policy options for preventing and mitigating these harmful effects. They include, among other things:

• promoting technology that better protects social institutions, stimulating or requiring tech companies to introduce products and services that better protect social institutions and internet users;
• education about the internet and its consequences;
• stronger social services support for internet users: this policy option involves strengthening social services dedicated to internet users to prevent or mitigate harmful effects such as internet addition, antisocial online behaviour or information overload;
• incentivising or requiring employers to develop policies that protect workers against harmful effects of work-related internet use, such as information overload and the blurring of lines between public and private life;
• establishing governmental units and multi-stakeholder platforms at EU level,to address the problems of the internet’s harmful social and cultural effects.

Problematic use of the internet (PUI) research network

Finally, in relation to internet-caused damage, it is worth mentioning the recent article published by the European Science-Media Hub (ESMH) on the European Problematic Use of Internet (PUI) research network. The project, funded by the European Commission, gathers over 120 psychologists, psychiatrists and neuroscientists, with the objective of reaching a better definition of diagnostic criteria, the role of genetics and personality traits, and the brain-based mechanisms behind internet related disorders.

Scientific Foresight (STOA)

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This is good

I agree with the article, because although the internet helps us to many things such as allowing us to stay connected with family, friends and provides us access to a lot of information, although this may be too much and some of it is not correct. And as the article says it is worrying how this has become an addiction and causes us cognitive problems and problems in our relationships, because we do not know or do not occupy it with a correct use and do not put certain limits, plus we can suffer from cyberbullying, etc., plus then the comments we make some people do it with bad intentions and to hurt others.

All the information seems too precise to me and the truth is I had never thought about all that, the use of the Internet is increasingly sophisticated and many people are not aware of the damage they can cause and generate to themselves, the Internet helps us of course, but we are not prepared because we do not take into account the harm it can do to others if we use it in the wrong way and even worse to ourselves if we do not use it in a good way.

The Internet is a tool that can help or affect society just as all tools currently in society do. The issue that really worries me is the addition to the Internet since everything in excess is harmful to health and integrity as a person, the technology helps electronic commerce as we are experiencing it today, a benefit to society is the medical advances with which I agree, previously I only did my homework in libraries but now I do my homework from my phone. Yes. The internet is addictive.

I agree that the Internet is a great tool, but misuse can have immense consequences, especially for current and future generations. Although it offers immense benefits in terms of global communication, transportation, information gathering, education, e-commerce, etc., its prolonged use can have a negative impact on cognitive development, attention span and critical thinking, since on the net we can find a lot of people who incite bad practices such as cyber-bullying, cyber-harassment, pornography, etc. So it is a great tool and it is necessary to be at the forefront, but being aware of how far it is OK to go and without forgetting the wonders that the world can offer us.

It is true that the Internet has been the subject of much negative coverage in recent years. However, it is important to remember that it has also brought many benefits to society, such as facilitating communication, access to information and connection between people around the world. As with any tool, it is important to use the Internet responsibly and consciously to make the most of its advantages. In the same way it can also have negative effects on society and culture and we should put more importance on misinformation, cyber bullying, social media addiction and loss of privacy which are just some of the problems associated with excessive and irresponsible use of the Internet. It is important to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect our safety and well-being while enjoying the advantages that technology offers us.

I agree with the article.

The Internet has been one of the most important discoveries in history, as it allows us to have at our disposal a large amount of information and tools that help us remember things or do them for us, distract ourselves, learn a topic or language, etc.

However, there must be a limit on the time we spend online because if we are exposed to the internet for a long time, we can suffer serious consequences. Also from time to time ask ourselves: what are we seeing on the internet? and check that we are actually doing something productive with that time spent.

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Risks to kids online are growing. Here's what we can do 

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• Some major tech companies have delayed rollout of platforms aimed at children amidst child safety concerns.
• Introducing specific safety features could ensure these platforms are used beneficially as platforms to educate and entertain children.
• Here's what we know about safety for children online - and how to improve it.

Discussion of the risks to kids online – and the wider implications to society when mitigating these risks – is currently on center stage.

Apple recently delayed its rollout of child safety features on US phones and computers, and Instagram delayed its rollout of Instagram for Kids . In response to accusations that its platforms harm children, Meta, which owns Instagram, this week said it would introduce new safety controls, including asking kids to take a break when using Instagram and steering them away from content that isn't conducive to well-being.

With children making up a significant portion of internet users – one in three internet users is a child under 18 years old – the impact of such decisions will notably alter the future of the web for kids.

How risky is it for kids to be online?

The risks to kids online are significant and growing. While the risks vary by age, gender, online exposure and other factors, as it stands right now at an aggregate level, exposure to sexual content is the largest online risk.

UNICEF research shows that risks vary significantly by country and that the extent of harm caused by these risks depends on a number of factors, such as children’s resilience, parental guidance/support, and digital skills (such as ability to manage privacy settings).

The risk to young girls is even more significant. The State of the World’s Girls 2020 report by Plan International, which surveyed over 14,000 girls and young women in 31 countries, found that more than half of respondents had been harassed and abused online, and that one in four felt physically unsafe as a result.

What is the industry doing about it?

Many companies are making improvements to protect children online. Some video streaming apps, like TikTok, have versions for users under 13 where they can create but not post videos . Others, like YouTube, have " Approved content only " modes. With these, children can only watch videos, channels and/or collections that parents have selected and approved themselves. Instagram prevents adults from messaging children who do not follow them and have defaulted all child accounts to private.

Nevertheless, several challenges must be overcome to keep children safe online whilst enabling them to benefit from all the opportunities of digital engagement.

Key tensions and barriers to child safety online

Age verification.

Many kids are being exposed to content they shouldn’t be seeing in places they shouldn’t be visiting at all. The largest major survey of its kind points to a traumatic reality: 70% of respondents first saw child sexual abuse material when they were under 18.

In the US, many platforms do not permit users under 13 years of age to use their services in order to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Many other parts of the world operate similarly. It is estimated that a staggering 82% of children aged 8 to 12 have profiles on social media and messaging apps, according to research from CyberSafeKids .

Research shows that young people can easily sidestep age verification measures when signing-up to some popular social media apps. New regulations, such as the UK’s Age-Appropriate Design Code , sets out requirements for how digital platforms should protect kids online. However, it doesn't prescriptive how companies should verify user age.

Age verification is an important safety issue. Innovations in third-party technologies can offer solutions that are not privacy-invasive. For example, friendship app Tinder has rolled out an ID Verification process . This boosts user confidence that matches are real people. Improving age and identity verification processes through technology, and coupling these to regulatory standards, is critical for user safety.

Heightened privacy measures can protect kids from unwanted contact on social applications. It also helps children manage visibility of photos, videos and other shared content. Some privacy measures, however, can complicate children’s safety. For example, end-to-end encryption software lowers authorities' ability to detect illegal material, including Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAM), as encrypted user content can't be scanned, monitored and filtered.

Many companies are moving toward encrypted environments nonetheless. The National Center for Missing or Exploited Children (NCMEC) estimates that 70% of child abuse reports could be lost with the roll‑out of end-to-end encryption on messaging platforms. While many experts continue to tout the value of encryption, the industry is struggling to come up with viable alternatives to still fight CSAM in these environments.

A balance must be found between privacy and safety. Company decisions about product features, content moderation, user profile settings, and other such areas will require a deep understanding of the implications to all stakeholders. This will ensure that proportionate and effective measures are put in place.

Risk Exposure

Some research has highlighted the negative impacts of social media on kids. These apps may worsen body image and self-perception issues, especially among young girls. Apps targeted to kids should keep the varied experiences and mental health realities of such vulnerable groups in mind.

Research also points to the benefits that social media have for children. A majority of parents whose children watch videos on platforms like YouTube say it helps their children learn new things and keep them entertained. It is important though, that parents should keep a close eye on what children encounter on these streaming sites, with Pew Research finding at least 46% of parents have said their children have encountered inappropriate content online.

The benefits of these apps have a trade-off with the potential risks. The ongoing conversation about these risks and benefits highlights the nuances thereof and the individual factors that parents may want to consider when taking such decisions.

Preventative Interventions

In general, preventative measures have not gained the same traction as measures to detect and remove harmful content once it is already circulating. While a number of interventions could help improve safety for kids online, understanding their effectiveness in real-world settings is key to avoiding unintended consequences.

An analysis of 39 studies found that 12% of young people have forwarded a sexually explicit image or video, without consent, while 8.4% had forwarded such imagery of themselves without consent. This needs to be addressed. Research has shown that warnings about these types of privacy violations often backfire and could even have the opposite effect.

There is a great need for a multi-stakeholder approach to make adequate interventions on these challenges. Governments, civil society, researchers, and parents, must work together to ensure robust interventions based on diverse inputs from all stakeholders.

Information Inequalities

It isn't always easy to assess safety measures given the different and evolving understanding of technologies, processes, and issues among the various stakeholders. When it comes to critically assessing changes, as proposed by companies like Apple , stakeholders often lack the data, and/or understanding to do so effectively.

Building mechanisms to share information, enable audits, and independently verify claims with stakeholders is critical to gain buy-in. Doing so in a privacy-preserving way which doesn't compromise company IP, can bridge the information gap. This is necessary to develop more agile, effective, and widely-acceptable policies.

How do we address digital risks?

A holistic approach to safety that considers both the risks and opportunities of digital engagement is needed to move forward. This can only be done with a user-centric approach .

The World Economic Forum supports the development of a cyber regulatory ecosystem which always considers the safety of vulnerable peoples, especially children. We believe in the importance of navigating the safety tensions associated with new technologies, policies, or products - and how these may affect all members of society. The World Economic Forum’s Global Coalition for Digital Safety aims to develop principles and practices that help address such trade-offs in a proportionate manner, knowing that solutions will need to be tailored according to a company’s size, role in the digital ecosystem, the type of user it services, and many other factors. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, there is a path forward to build solutions that will enable kids to take advantage of the internet whilst staying safe.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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Internet Safety for Kids: How to Protect Your Child from the Top 7 Dangers They Face Online

The internet can be a dangerous neighborhood for everyone, but children and teens are especially vulnerable. From cyber predators to social media posts that can come back to haunt them later in life, online hazards can have severe, costly, even tragic, consequences. Children may unwittingly expose their families to internet threats , for example, by accidentally downloading malware that could give cyber criminals access to their parents' bank account or other sensitive information. Protecting children on the internet is a matter of awareness—knowing what dangers lurk and how to safeguard against them. Although cyber security software can help protect against some threats, the most important safety measure is open communication with your children.

The vast majority, 90%, of teens agree that cyber bullying a problem, and 63% believe this is a serious problem. What’s more, a 2018 survey of children’s online behavior found that approximately 60% of children who use social media have witnessed some form of bullying, and that, for various reasons, most children ignored the behavior altogether. And according to enough.org , as of February 2018, nearly half (47%) of all young people had been the victims of cyber bullying. Social media and online games are today's virtual playground, and that is where much cyber bullying takes place, and it’s operating 24/7. Children can be ridiculed in social media exchanges. Or, in online gaming, their player personas can be subjected to incessant attack, turning the game from an imaginative adventure into a humiliating ordeal that escalate into cyber bullying across multiple platforms and in real-life.

The best foundation for protecting against cyber bullying is to be comfortable talking to your children about what is going on in their lives online and in in real-life (IRL) and how to stand up to bullies. Cyber security software and specialized apps for monitoring your child’s online and mobile activity can help, but nothing will replace an open dialog.

These days sexual and other predators often stalk children on the internet, taking advantage of their innocence, lack of adult supervision and abusing their trust. This can culminate in children being lured into dangerous personal encounters IRL. These predators lurk on social media and gaming platforms that appeal to children—the same virtual venues where anonymity facilitates cyber bullying. There, they can exploit not only children's innocence, but also their gift of imagination. "Let's play pretend" is a common and healthy part of online gaming and interaction, but predators can use it as a hook to pull children in.

The FBI offers guidance in safeguarding against predators and other online risks to child safety. However, again, the best protection is regularly talking to your children about what is going on in their day-to-day lives.

Children do not yet understand social boundaries. They may post personally identifiable information (PII) online, for example in their social media profiles, that should not be out in public. This might be anything from images of awkward personal moments to their home addresses or family vacation plans.

Much, but not all, of what your children post is in public view. This means that you can also see it—and there's no harm in reminding them that if Mom and Dad can see it, so can everyone else. Avoid snooping, but speak frankly to your kids about public boundaries and what they mean for your children and your family as a whole.

Phishing is what cyber security professionals call the use of emails that try to trick people into clicking on malicious links or attachments. These can be especially difficult for kids to detect because often, the email will appear to be from someone legitimate, like a friend or family member, saying simply, "Hey—thought you might like this!" This can also be done with using messaging apps or text messages—then it's called "smishing".

Phishing emails and smishing texts can pop up at any time, but the cyber criminals who devise them keep watch on sites that are popular with children, and gather information such as email addresses and friends' names and other information to tailor their attacks, just as they do when spear phishing adults to access corporate networks. Teach your children to avoid clicking on emails or texts from strangers and to be wary of messages that appear to be from their friends but seem "off" or have no genuine personal message attached.

Children are probably not going to fall for Nigerian princes offering them a million dollars, but they might fall for scams that offer things they value , such as free access to online games or special features. Young people are easy marks for scams because they have not yet learned to be wary. As with phishing , cyber criminals can use sites popular with children to identify potential victims, and then promise prizes in return for what they want—like parents' credit card information.

Young or old, the best protection against scams is knowing that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true. Teach your children to be leery of online offers that promise too much.

Malware is computer software that is installed without the knowledge of permission of the victim and performs harmful actions on the computer. This includes stealing personal information from your computer or hijacking it for use in a " botnet ," which causes sluggish performance . Cyber criminals often trick people into downloading malware. Phishing is one such trick, but there are others—such as convincing victims to download malware masquerading as games —can be especially beguiling to children.

As with scams, educating your children is the best protection, but comprehensive, cross-device cyber security software and related security protections can help safeguard your child's computer against any malware that sneaks into it. In addition, many internet security products also include specific parental controls and applications that can help you build a secure framework for your children's online activities.

The internet does not have a "Delete" key. It is the opposite of Las Vegas. Things that happen online, stay online. Forever. Anything your child puts online is nearly impossible to remove later. The dangers of social media are especially daunting. It is hard for teenagers in particular to consider how a party picture or Snapchat message could cause problems ten years down the road when they interview for a new job, or how a prospective mate might respond to personal content that they post to their social media profiles or other websites.

Explain to your teens that their style and opinions are guaranteed to change as they grow older. With no "Take-Back" or "Delete" buttons, their 15-year-old self can dramatically alter their adult life in a single click. How they wish to present themselves online and IRL will likely change as they age—but internet posts are forever.

The internet can pose serious dangers to children. It can also open doors of wonder for them that previous generations could not even have dreamed of. Help ensure that your children’s online safety so they experience the joys and opportunities of the online world, and avoid its hazards. Be aware. Be vigilant. But first and foremost be actively involved in your children’s digital and day-to-day lives and communicate openly.

More helpful articles:

• 10 Potentially Dangerous Things You Do Online
• Internet Safety for Kids: Top 7 Internet Threats
• Internet Safety for Kids: Tips for Parents of Twitter Teens
• Internet Safety for Kids: 5 Quick Tips for Snapchat Security
• Internet Safety for Kids: Terrifying Stats & 10 Ways to Stop Cyberbullying Now
• Internet Safety For Kids: How to Protect Your Child from the Top 7 Dangers of Online Gaming
• What is cyber security?
• Infographic: 30 years of cyber security as a pixel art maze
• Computer viruses and malware FAQ
• Today’s biggest web threats
• What is social engineering?
• Public Wi-Fi risks

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Online Safety Trends, Risks, and Threats for 2022

Last Updated on 31st March 2023

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Every new year sees new trends, risks, and threats to online safety emerge, especially for children and young people. This can seem overwhelming (and sometimes even frightening) if you feel like you’ve just got your head around the last new ‘thing’.  

To help you stay ahead of the curve, our online safety experts have combined our analysis with concerns from parents, carers, teachers, and safeguarding professionals. Keep reading to learn more about the biggest online safety trends, risks, and threats for children and young people in 2022.   

We’re not leaving everything behind in 2021. Some online behaviours are projected to be even bigger this year .   

Peer-on-peer abuse – Also known as a form of ‘ cyberbullying’ , the harmful online behaviours some children experience , may take on new and unexpecte d forms , with new platforms , features , and technology. 

Misinformation – If 2021 saw a boost in conspiracies and “fake news”, then 2022 is set for a bang. 57% of young people get their news from social media platform s. With more platforms taking on the ‘ TikTok style’ short form video, visual misinformation is easier to consume with fewer fact check s and sources.   

Scams – Unfortunately, scammers seem to move with every new online trend as they find a way to manipulate popular topics or platforms in their favour. Last year saw an increase in financial scams on chat platform s like WhatsApp , which is expected to continue this year .   

Sexual Exploitation – Since the start of the global pandemic, there has been an exponential rise in child sexual exploitation and abuse online. Last year the IWF warned that nearly half ( 44% ) of the imagery it acted on was ‘ self-generated ’ , which was a 77% increase from the statistics in 201 9.   

Influencers – With social media platforms accounting for 43.5% of where internet users do brand research many companies are turning to i I nfluencers to help them market products , especially to younger consumers. This year yo u will see more ‘paid advertisements’ or ‘in partnership with’ pop ups, featuring humorous or ‘honest’ brand reviews from influencers.  

While ‘new and trending’ is a popular online tag, we believe these growing trends popularised in 2021 , are now well on their way to becoming ‘mainstream’ in 2022.   

NFTs – NFT stands for ‘ non-fungible token ’ which are unique digital assets that hold value .  They come in the form of artwork, videos, photos, and audio files that are bought with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. With m any celebrities and influencers creating their own NFTs and selling them , you’ll see NFTs become more widespread this year. 

Deepfakes – A deepfake is an image, video, sound, or GIF which captures someone’s face, body, or voice and puts it onto something else , like the Dancing Elf videos or “face swap” apps like Reface . As users without sophisticated technological skills can easily access, create, and distribute deepfakes , you’re likely to see this more widely used across all media outlets.  

Virtual Reality (VR) – VR describes a technologically simulated , immersive experience. This is making big strides into the consumer market with a host of new gaming technology, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerburg promising a ‘Metaverse’, and the increasing number of art and culture installations that are turning into tourist attractions in major cities (such as the Van Gogh experience, where visitors can ‘walk through’ some of his most famous paintings).  

AI Friends & Companions – Similar to VR, Art ificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more commonplace with every passing day. Most homes utilise either Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant to do a myriad of household tasks. However, there is a rising trend of customisable AI friends meeting the companionship desires many isolated people have been lacking in for two years. E xpect to see more and more people use apps like Replika , even as we begin to re- engage with normal socialising.

Esports – Another trend sure to see a boost in popularity with the advancement of VR technology is Esports. To put it simply, Esports (electronic sports) describes competitive video gaming. Both amateur and professional E sports players compete against each other in single-player or multi-player games , sometimes resulting in massive events attended by fans online and/or in-person. This may seem surreal, but videogames are still the leading sector in the UK entertainment industry , even with sales down in 2021.   

While there are always risks to children and young people spending time online, such as grooming and screen time overuse, some risks have begun to change according to the threats presented by rising trends.  

Disconnection – The rise of immersive VR and AI realities may see vulnerable young people begin to distance themselves from the real world. Ignoring meaningful connection with friends and family, fixating on their phones or consoles, and neglecting responsibilities like schoolwork or extracurriculars are all very real risks that could negatively impact a young person’s development.

Gambling behaviours – There has been a rise in types of cryptocurrencies being offered as rewards for gamin g, alongside NFTs and other ‘valuable’ online assets.  Young people may be driven by a desire to ‘get in on the ground floor’ and could find themselves embroiled in gambling-like behaviours to obtain this valuable currency they may not be able to buy outright . This is a dangerous risk, as it could lead to addiction and financial difficulties in the future. 

Media mistrust and cynicism – Changing attitudes towards news outlets , scient ific research, and personal preferences will continue to impact how young people are making and forming their opinions . According to Ofcom , 52% of young people say they are unable to tell if a news story they see on social platforms is true. Furthermore, while 68 % of young people trust their families to tell them about most world news, only 19% of them actively engage in these conversations.

Online Radicalisation – Spending more time online during the pandemic has created an environment that puts vulnerable young people at risk for radicalisation. Radical groups will continue to exploit feelings of loneliness and isolation to recruit younger members to their cause. Recently, a 14-year-old schoolboy was convicted of terror charges in the UK , and several other young people across the UK have been investigated for connections to terror attacks and incel organisations .   

Reliance on technology – After two years of schooling online, socialising online, shopping online, and everything in between, it’s no wonder that most people are ‘ nomophobics ’ – the term for someone afraid to not have their phone with them. But it’s not just smartphones that have created our technological world. Most students spend the majority of the day on tablets, watching television, or asking Alexa for homework help. This reliance has a proven link to sleep disturbances and depressive behaviour .  

We know these trends, threats, and risks may seem like a lot. Remember to deal with every situation as it comes . Use our guidance below to help you have a safer 2022 every day.   

E ngage young people in a conversation about keeping safe online and who they would talk to if something ma d e them feel uncomfortable. Check out our  Trusted Adult  resource to learn more .

Agree on Screen Time boundaries within your household. This will help any children in your care have a healthier relationship with their screens and encourage them to take breaks. If a young person in your care expresses concern or distress over screen time limitations, ask them to explain why it’s important for them to having more time. Remind them of the importance of balancing online time with offline time.  

It’s important to teach young people how to identify scams. Remember – if something seems too good to be true, it typically is.   

Use our Home Learning Hub to access expert resources that will help you help those in your care as they navigate the online world.   

Join our Online Safety Hub Newsletter Network

Members of our network receive weekly updates on the trends, risks and threats to children and young people online.

Pause, Think and Plan

Guidance on how to talk to the children in your care about online risks.

What Are Your Words Worth

This activity pack is designed to prompt young people to think about the words they use online. The activities included will help them to reflect about comments they make on social media or gaming platforms and how those words may impact others. There is also a challenge included to make more #PostivePosts!

Data Protection Day 2022

Safeguarding Alert – Slender Man

What You Need to Know About Replika

Roblox: A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Children

A Beginner’s Guide to NFTs

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Internet Safety for Kids  - Teaching Kids About Internet Safety

Internet safety for kids  -, teaching kids about internet safety, internet safety for kids teaching kids about internet safety.

Internet Safety for Kids: Teaching Kids About Internet Safety

Lesson 1: teaching kids about internet safety,  teaching kids about internet safety.

The Internet can be a wonderful place to learn, shop, play games, and talk to your friends. Unfortunately, there are also predators, identity thieves, and others online who may try to harm you. In order to be safe online, it's important for you and your kids to be aware of the dangers.

Many kids are confident that they know how to be safe online. However, there are a few reasons kids are often more at risk. They may not always think about the consequences of their actions, which can cause them to share too much information about themselves. Kids also are sometimes specifically targeted by cyberbullies or predators.

If you're a parent or guardian, you can help to keep your kids safe by talking to them about their Internet use , teaching them about online dangers , and learning everything you can about the Internet so you can make informed decisions.

About this tutorial

This tutorial is designed for any parent or guardian who wants to learn how to keep their kids safe online. You may want to review our Internet Safety tutorial first so you'll have a basic understanding of online safety. Throughout this tutorial, we'll link to other resources you can use if you want more information. We'll also link to some activities, videos, and other resources that are geared toward kids and teens. You may want to show these resources to your kids or even work through them together.

If you want to learn the basics of using the Internet, you can also check out our Internet Basics , Email 101 , and Beyond Email tutorials.

Understanding online dangers

In order to keep your kids safe, you'll need to know about the different types of online dangers that exist. For example, kids and teens may find inappropriate content on the Internet, such as pornography or obscene language. There is also a possibility of cyberbullying or cyberharassment from others online. This does not mean your child will encounter all of these threats. However, knowing about the dangers can help you and your kids make smart decisions online.

Review the interactive below to learn about some of the dangers kids can encounter online.

Malware is malicious software that is designed to damage your computer or steal your personal information . It includes viruses, spyware, and other types of software.

Malware is often secretly bundled with other software, and it can also infect email attachments.

Cyber-stalking

Cyber-stalking is any kind of harassment or threatening behavior that occurs online. It can happen through instant messaging, text messaging, email, or social networks. If the perpetrator is a child or teen, it is often called cyberbullying .

In the online world, piracy refers to illegally sharing copyrighted materials . This can include music, movies, TV shows, and software. For many kids, sharing files may seem innocent, but it can result in stiff penalties.

Phishing is a type of scam where the scammer tries to trick you into revealing your personal information . Usually, it involves an email, instant message, or website that is designed to look like it's from a legitimate company.

The Internet contains a lot of content you probably don't want your kids to see, including pornography, violent content, and vulgar language .

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying that occurs online , often through instant messaging, text messaging, email, and social networks.

Cyberbullies may be the same age as the victims, or they may be older. If the perpetrator is an adult, it is generally called cyber-stalking or cyberharassment .

Revealing too much

Many kids and teens like to post photos and share information about themselves. In some cases, this information can be used by online predators .

It's also possible for an embarrassing photo to damage a kid's or teen's reputation . This can affect their social life, and it may even come back to haunt them years later when they're applying for a job.

Other types of dangers

Whenever someone uses a computer, there is a risk of eye strain , wrist strain , and other injuries . You can help prevent this by limiting the amount of time your kids spend on computers and mobile devices. For tips on avoiding injury, read Creating a Safe Workspace in our Computer Basics tutorial.

There's also another reason to limit your kids' Internet use: Because people are spending more and more time online, Internet addiction is becoming a more significant problem. Internet use can be a good thing, but if it becomes an addiction it can affect a person's offline life.

Places where dangers can occur

It's important for kids to be careful whenever they're connected to the Internet because online dangers are not just limited to bad websites . Chat rooms, computer games, and even social networking sites can be risky. If your kids have mobile phones, they'll also need to be careful when texting or when accessing the Internet on their phones.

Review the slideshow below to learn about some of the places online where kids can be at risk.

Guidelines for keeping your kids safe

It can be difficult to keep your kids completely safe online. Even if you set up parental controls on your home computer, your kids will use many other computers that don't have parental controls. To keep your kids safe, you'll need to teach them to make good decisions online—even when you're not around.

Below are some general tips you can use when teaching your kids about online safety:

• Learn everything you can about the Internet. Being familiar with the Internet will not only help you understand the risks, but it will also help you talk to your kids.
• Set standards for what your kids can and cannot do online. It's important to make rules for your kids so they know what's expected of them. Don't wait until something bad happens to start creating guidelines.
• Teach your kids to keep personal information private . It's usually a bad idea to post personal information online such as phone numbers, addresses, and credit cards. If criminals gain access to this information, they can use it to harm you or your family.
• Teach your kids to use social networking sites safely. Sites like Facebook allow kids—and adults—to share photos and videos of themselves, as well as have conversations with friends and strangers. If your kids share something with friends, it's still possible for it to get into the wrong hands. Generally, they should only post something online if they're comfortable with everyone in the world seeing it.
• Encourage your kids to come to you if they encounter a problem. If your child gets into trouble online, you'll want him or her to come to you instead of hiding it. Keep in mind that your kids could accidentally encounter a bad site, even if they're doing everything right.
• Talk to your kids about Internet use. Talk to your kids regularly about how they use the Internet. If they're in the habit of talking to you about the Internet, they'll be more willing to come to you if there's a problem.

The Federal Trade Commission has videos and other resources you may find helpful. Watch the following video to learn more about talking to your kids about Internet safety.

Minimizing risks at home

If you have a home computer your kids use, there are some extra precautions you can take to make it safer. Remember that your kids will probably use many other computers, and these precautions won't keep them safe when they're not at home. Also, keep in mind that these are merely suggestions; depending on your parenting style and your kids' ages, you may choose not to use all of them.

• Keep the computer in the living room or in another common area. By putting the computer in a common area of the house, you can reduce the chance that they'll talk to strangers or visit inappropriate websites. For teens, you may choose to give them more freedom about where they use the computer (especially if they have their own computers).
• Install antivirus software. Viruses and other malware are a risk for any computer (although Macs are slightly safer). To protect your computer, you can install antivirus software such as BitDefender or Norton .
• Use a kid-friendly search engine. Regular search engines may return results with inappropriate content you don't want your kids to see. However, there are some search engines that are designed to only return kid-friendly results (although there is still the possibility of inappropriate results getting through). Examples include KidTopia and KidRex.org .
• Use parental controls. Windows and Mac OS X allow you to add parental controls to user accounts. These include time limits , website restrictions , and controlling which applications can be opened . You can also buy parental control software like Net Nanny , which has versions for Windows and Mac.

Creating an Internet safety contract

Once you've established Internet guidelines, you may want to put them in writing. You can create an Internet safety contract your kids can sign, and then you can keep a copy of it near the computer.

There are also premade contracts you can download and print. One example is the Family Online Safety Contract , which you can download from the Family Online Safety Institute . In addition to a contract, it includes a contract for parents, which contains guidelines you may find helpful.

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Cyberbullying: Everything You Need to Know

• Cyberbullying
• How to Respond

Cyberbullying is the act of intentionally and consistently mistreating or harassing someone through the use of electronic devices or other forms of electronic communication (like social media platforms).

Because cyberbullying mainly affects children and adolescents, many brush it off as a part of growing up. However, cyberbullying can have dire mental and emotional consequences if left unaddressed.

This article discusses cyberbullying, its adverse effects, and what can be done about it.

FangXiaNuo / Getty Images

Cyberbullying Statistics and State Laws

The rise of digital communication methods has paved the way for a new type of bullying to form, one that takes place outside of the schoolyard. Cyberbullying follows kids home, making it much more difficult to ignore or cope.

Statistics 

As many as 15% of young people between 12 and 18 have been cyberbullied at some point. However, over 25% of children between 13 and 15 were cyberbullied in one year alone.

About 6.2% of people admitted that they’ve engaged in cyberbullying at some point in the last year. The age at which a person is most likely to cyberbully one of their peers is 13.

Those subject to online bullying are twice as likely to self-harm or attempt suicide . The percentage is much higher in young people who identify as LGBTQ, at 56%.

Cyberbullying by Sex and Sexual Orientation

Cyberbullying statistics differ among various groups, including:

• Girls and boys reported similar numbers when asked if they have been cyberbullied, at 23.7% and 21.9%, respectively.
• LGBTQ adolescents report cyberbullying at higher rates, at 31.7%. Up to 56% of young people who identify as LGBTQ have experienced cyberbullying.
• Transgender teens were the most likely to be cyberbullied, at a significantly high rate of 35.4%.

State Laws 

The laws surrounding cyberbullying vary from state to state. However, all 50 states have developed and implemented specific policies or laws to protect children from being cyberbullied in and out of the classroom.

The laws were put into place so that students who are being cyberbullied at school can have access to support systems, and those who are being cyberbullied at home have a way to report the incidents.

Legal policies or programs developed to help stop cyberbullying include:

• Bullying prevention programs
• Cyberbullying education courses for teachers
• Procedures designed to investigate instances of cyberbullying
• Support systems for children who have been subject to cyberbullying 

Are There Federal Laws Against Cyberbullying?

There are no federal laws or policies that protect people from cyberbullying. However, federal involvement may occur if the bullying overlaps with harassment. Federal law will get involved if the bullying concerns a person’s race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, or religion.

Examples of Cyberbullying 

There are several types of bullying that can occur online, and they all look different.

Harassment can include comments, text messages, or threatening emails designed to make the cyberbullied person feel scared, embarrassed, or ashamed of themselves.

Other forms of harassment include:

• Using group chats as a way to gang up on one person
• Making derogatory comments about a person based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, or other characteristics
• Posting mean or untrue things on social media sites, such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, as a way to publicly hurt the person experiencing the cyberbullying  

Impersonation

A person may try to pretend to be the person they are cyberbullying to attempt to embarrass, shame, or hurt them publicly. Some examples of this include:

• Hacking into someone’s online profile and changing any part of it, whether it be a photo or their "About Me" portion, to something that is either harmful or inappropriate
• Catfishing, which is when a person creates a fake persona to trick someone into a relationship with them as a joke or for their own personal gain
• Making a fake profile using the screen name of their target to post inappropriate or rude remarks on other people’s pages

Other Examples

Not all forms of cyberbullying are the same, and cyberbullies use other tactics to ensure that their target feels as bad as possible. Some tactics include:

• Taking nude or otherwise degrading photos of a person without their consent
• Sharing or posting nude pictures with a wide audience to embarrass the person they are cyberbullying
• Sharing personal information about a person on a public website that could cause them to feel unsafe
• Physically bullying someone in school and getting someone else to record it so that it can be watched and passed around later
• Circulating rumors about a person

How to Know When a Joke Turns Into Cyberbullying

People may often try to downplay cyberbullying by saying it was just a joke. However, any incident that continues to make a person feel shame, hurt, or blatantly disrespected is not a joke and should be addressed. People who engage in cyberbullying tactics know that they’ve crossed these boundaries, from being playful to being harmful.

Effects and Consequences of Cyberbullying 

Research shows many negative effects of cyberbullying, some of which can lead to severe mental health issues. Cyberbullied people are twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts, actions, or behaviors and engage in self-harm as those who are not.

Other negative health consequences of cyberbullying are:

• Stomach pain and digestive issues
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulties with academics
• Violent behaviors
• High levels of stress
• Inability to feel safe
• Feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness

If You’ve Been Cyberbullied 

Being on the receiving end of cyberbullying is hard to cope with. It can feel like you have nowhere to turn and no escape. However, some things can be done to help overcome cyberbullying experiences.

Advice for Preteens and Teenagers

The best thing you can do if you’re being cyberbullied is tell an adult you trust. It may be challenging to start the conversation because you may feel ashamed or embarrassed. However, if it is not addressed, it can get worse.

Other ways you can cope with cyberbullying include:

• Walk away : Walking away online involves ignoring the bullies, stepping back from your computer or phone, and finding something you enjoy doing to distract yourself from the bullying.
• Don’t retaliate : You may want to defend yourself at the time. But engaging with the bullies can make matters worse.
• Keep evidence : Save all copies of the cyberbullying, whether it be posts, texts, or emails, and keep them if the bullying escalates and you need to report them.
• Report : Social media sites take harassment seriously, and reporting them to site administrators may block the bully from using the site.
• Block : You can block your bully from contacting you on social media platforms and through text messages.

In some cases, therapy may be a good option to help cope with the aftermath of cyberbullying.

Advice for Parents

As a parent, watching your child experience cyberbullying can be difficult. To help in the right ways, you can:

• Offer support and comfort : Listening to your child explain what's happening can be helpful. If you've experienced bullying as a child, sharing that experience may provide some perspective on how it can be overcome and that the feelings don't last forever.
• Make sure they know they are not at fault : Whatever the bully uses to target your child can make them feel like something is wrong with them. Offer praise to your child for speaking up and reassure them that it's not their fault.
• Contact the school : Schools have policies to protect children from bullying, but to help, you have to inform school officials.
• Keep records : Ask your child for all the records of the bullying and keep a copy for yourself. This evidence will be helpful to have if the bullying escalates and further action needs to be taken.
• Try to get them help : In many cases, cyberbullying can lead to mental stress and sometimes mental health disorders. Getting your child a therapist gives them a safe place to work through their experience.

In the Workplace 

Although cyberbullying more often affects children and adolescents, it can also happen to adults in the workplace. If you are dealing with cyberbullying at your workplace, you can:

• Let your bully know how what they said affected you and that you expect it to stop.
• Keep copies of any harassment that goes on in the workplace.
• Report your cyberbully to your human resources (HR) department.
• Report your cyberbully to law enforcement if you are being threatened.
• Close off all personal communication pathways with your cyberbully.
• Maintain a professional attitude at work regardless of what is being said or done.
• Seek out support through friends, family, or professional help.

Effective Action Against Cyberbullying

If cyberbullying continues, actions will have to be taken to get it to stop, such as:

• Talking to a school official : Talking to someone at school may be difficult, but once you do, you may be grateful that you have some support. Schools have policies to address cyberbullying.
• Confide in parents or trusted friends : Discuss your experience with your parents or others you trust. Having support on your side will make you feel less alone.
• Report it on social media : Social media sites have strict rules on the types of interactions and content sharing allowed. Report your aggressor to the site to get them banned and eliminate their ability to contact you.
• Block the bully : Phones, computers, and social media platforms contain options to block correspondence from others. Use these blocking tools to help free yourself from cyberbullying.

Help Is Available

If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, dial  988  to contact the  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  and connect with a trained counselor. To find mental health resources in your area, contact the  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline  at  800-662-4357  for information.

Cyberbullying occurs over electronic communication methods like cell phones, computers, social media, and other online platforms. While anyone can be subject to cyberbullying, it is most likely to occur between the ages of 12 and 18.

Cyberbullying can be severe and lead to serious health issues, such as new or worsened mental health disorders, sleep issues, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. There are laws to prevent cyberbullying, so it's essential to report it when it happens. Coping strategies include stepping away from electronics, blocking bullies, and getting.

Alhajji M, Bass S, Dai T. Cyberbullying, mental health, and violence in adolescents and associations with sex and race: data from the 2015 youth risk behavior survey . Glob Pediatr Health. 2019;6:2333794X19868887. doi:10.1177/2333794X19868887

Cyberbullying Research Center. Cyberbullying in 2021 by age, gender, sexual orientation, and race .

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: StopBullying.gov. Facts about bullying .

John A, Glendenning AC, Marchant A, et al. Self-harm, suicidal behaviours, and cyberbullying in children and young people: systematic review .  J Med Internet Res . 2018;20(4):e129. doi:10.2196/jmir.9044

Cyberbullying Research Center. Bullying, cyberbullying, and LGBTQ students .

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: StopBullying.gov. Laws, policies, and regulations .

Wolke D, Lee K, Guy A. Cyberbullying: a storm in a teacup? . Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2017;26(8):899-908. doi:10.1007/s00787-017-0954-6

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: StopBullying.gov. Cyberbullying tactics .

Garett R, Lord LR, Young SD. Associations between social media and cyberbullying: a review of the literature . mHealth . 2016;2:46-46. doi:10.21037/mhealth.2016.12.01

Nemours Teens Health. Cyberbullying .

Nixon CL. Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health . Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2014;5:143-58. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S36456

Nemours Kids Health. Cyberbullying (for parents) .

By Angelica Bottaro Bottaro has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and an Advanced Diploma in Journalism. She is based in Canada.

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The dangers of sharing personal information on social media

Joseph turow, a professor of communication at the annenberg school for communication, says hackers may be using your posts against you..

An innocent, seemingly fun and engaging social media trend has been popping up on news feeds. In an act of solidarity with high school seniors who were finishing out their final semester at home due to the coronavirus stay-at-home order, Facebook users were sharing their own senior class photos in nostalgic posts.

While it is a nice sentiment and the presence of cameras in nearly every cellphone has made it easy to take and exchange pictures, there are certain considerations one should keep in mind, according to Joseph Turow , the Robert Lewis Shayon Professor of Communication at the Annenberg School for Communication.

“It is a part of life today,” he says. “Phones with cameras make it very easy and alluring to share photos, and it is understandable people want to share. It is also difficult to argue that every posted photo is going to lead to a scam or be hacked.”

Turow, who has authored 11 books, edited five, and written more than 150 articles on mass media industries, says the technology of hacking is continuously evolving. So, we don’t know what will happen in the future in terms of how scammers will use information.

“The more photos reflect the context of a person and their relationships with others, the more that person can be denoted by their location which in turns allows hackers greater access to personal information,” he says.

Turow urges participants to beware, because these kinds of posts can make users more susceptible to hackers trying to break into online accounts.

“The problem is that there are so many photos of people,” he says. “There is a possibility that someone will attach a name to your photo. If you appear in a photo of friends who also have been tagged, people with malign intent can try to trace these relationships and use them to fool people into giving up information. It is amazing how much stuff is out there about everyone, and what people share about themselves, often without being aware they’re doing it.”

When sharing these photos, users posted them with the hashtag #ClassOf020. Scammers can quickly scan sites for this hashtag and possibly find the name of your high school and your graduation year.

These are the two most common online security questions, and if your social media account isn’t protected, scammers can find out a lot more about you, according to Turow. Also, a high school graduate year also implies a person’s age and, often, the age of friends in the photos.

“Hackers looking to break into your private accounts could use any piece of information you share in a viral challenge,” Turow says. Year of graduation, cities in which you’ve lived and the makes and models of all the cars you’ve owned are examples; those cars, cities, and graduation years may show up in photos you share. (Often photos contain side information about date and location.) This can be used to infer other revealing details, such as your date of birth and the city you grew up in—also popular security questions to bank accounts and retirement funds.

“Criminals can try to use this information to get more information from you that will then allow them to target you for money out of some online accounts,” Turow says. “Hackers are continuously looking for ways to get into people’s files to find out ways to get into their monetary accounts and take on some aspects of one’s identity in some type of way.”

In addition, he says people “use these details to hack social media accounts, guess security questions on financial sites, and send customized ‘spear phishing’ messages designed to fool you into forking over sensitive information.”

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) cited similar concerns about other recent trends involving personal information on social media, including posting about the make and model years of all vehicles you’ve ever owned, your favorite athletes, and your favorite shows. 

Hackers looking to break into your private accounts could use any piece of information you share in a viral challenge. Joseph Turow, Robert Lewis Shayon Professor of Communication at the Annenberg School for Communication

“I think the BBB is right,” Turow says. “The problem is some people make it very easy to find out what their passwords are. People tend to use the same password over and over again, which makes it easy to steal. The consequence is that if it is stolen, it can be used to get into every aspect of your life.”

The trick, he says, is to minimize the overlap of passwords and be very careful. He also says people should never click on a link in an email unless they are sure who sent it, a common way for scammers to infiltrate your computer.

“The information is legally being traded by advertisers, marketing agencies, and data brokers,” Turow says. “How many people actually read the privacy policy? And how many people actually understand the wording? It is purposely long and written to confuse the consumer.”

If a person does plan to participate in these ongoing trends, because another one will soon come along and users may not be able to resist the temptation to play along, Turow says to take extra precautions. He advises people to think twice before participating in these types of trends.

“While it may seem like the information is being shared with only your friends and family, it can also be shared with hackers and scammers who troll the social media sites,” he says. “Once your data is in the wild, it stays in the wild and can be used by any number of unscrupulous characters.”

Before you share too much, Turow suggests tightening up security settings and regularly changing the security questions you use to access online banking and other services.

Turow’s final advice: Stop and wait before you share anything and think about it; realize that when you put anything in an email, or social media, you are posting something that has the potential to become public; and act as if nothing on the internet is private.

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Protecting the Nigerian Child from Dangers of Online Technology

In today’s digital age, protecting Nigerian children from online dangers is not just crucial—it’s urgent. With over 60% of Nigerian children having internet access, they face increased risks like harmful content, cyberbullying, and encounters with online predators.

Multifaceted Hazards of Online Technology

The hazards of online technology for Nigerian children are multifaceted. Exposure to inappropriate content remains a prominent concern, shaping their values negatively and impacting their cognitive development and socialization. Cyberbullying and harassment on social media platforms are widespread, causing psychological distress among victims.

Amplified Risks from Online Predators

Moreover, the presence of online predators amplifies the risks faced by Nigerian children online. These individuals exploit young users’ innocence and trust, potentially resulting in abduction, exploitation, or abuse.

Government Action and Collaboration

The federal government is formulating a national strategy on child online protection (COP) with support from UNICEF. Parental controls and supervision, digital literacy education, and collaboration between government agencies, schools, and NGOs are vital strategies to ensure the safety of Nigerian children online.

Empowering the Next Generation

To further emphasize the importance of online safety, SystemSpec has announced an essay contest for students. This initiative aims to raise awareness about online safety and empower students to discuss and propose innovative solutions to mitigate online risks. By fostering a culture of digital responsibility, we can empower the next generation to navigate the online world safely.

Conclusion: Safeguarding Our Children

Protecting Nigerian children from online dangers is imperative. By prioritizing parental controls, digital literacy education, and collaborative efforts, we can create a safer online environment for Nigerian children in the digital age. At Inside Success Nigeria , we are interested in safeguarding the well-being of our children and empower them to thrive in today’s digital world. We want you, our readers to do the same.

Introducing Rhoda, one of the Editorial Executives behind the captivating content at Inside Success Nigeria. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language and a Master's degree from the University of Benin, Rhoda's writing is infused with a rich array of linguistic expertise. She meticulously crafts each piece, seamlessly weaving words into spellbinding narratives that captivate our readers. As a skilled proofreader, Rhoda ensures that every article meets the pinnacle of clarity and precision. Thanks for delving into our articles; and here's to you, our cherished readers, for joining us on this journey of inspiration and discovery! Merci Beaucoup!

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We are at the point when we can say “The internet is doing more harm than good to children”.

Unfortunately, it is what it is. However, there’s a way forward.

Thank you Rhoda for this article.

I’ve created age limit to the devices and social media apps for my children.

Yes! This is the starting point.

The question still remains how do we protect our children in hind digital age?

Thank you for this question Princess. Protecting our children in this digital age start with us not even with the children. Yes! What are the things that we watch online? We need to unsubscribe from Some channels that we can’t confidently allow our children to watch right in our presence.

Thank you, Rhoda, for that beautiful answer you gave for that question. But now, based on the fact that social media is a computer-based technology that facilitate the sharing of Ideas, thought, information through the responsible use of social media thro0ught the vital use of network, which has increased rapid. How can we stop a Nigeria child from using social media wrongly?

Dear Destiny,

Thank you for your candid feedback.

As social media becomes increasingly ingrained in our daily lives, akin to the way we breathe, it is imperative for parents to exercise control over their children’s usage of social media platforms. This responsibility begins within the home, as the family unit remains paramount in the socialization process.

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Smart Parenting in Nigeria

Safeguarding children online: nigerian parents’ handbook.

Last Updated on May 11, 2024

Introduction

Protecting children online is essential in today’s digital age, where children are exposed to the internet and social media at a young age. Nigerian parents have a crucial role to play in safeguarding their children online.

It is vital to ensure children’s online safety as they interact with friends or engage with online content, which can pose risks such as cyberbullying, online harassment, and access to inappropriate content.

Nigerian parents must stay informed, educate their children about online safety, set boundaries and monitor their children’s internet usage to ensure their safety online.

Common Online Risks for Children

As the world continues to advance in technology, children are becoming more exposed to online dangers. You can safeguard your children online by being aware of these common online risks.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is one of the most common online risks for children. It may involve verbal attacks, exclusion, rumors, and threats through social media, messaging apps, and online games.

In severe cases, it may also lead to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Parents can help prevent cyberbullying by limiting their children’s online interactions and monitoring their activities closely. Teach them to respect others and never to respond to bullies.

Encourage them to speak up if they ever experience cyberbullying.

Online Predators

Online predators are individuals who use the internet to obtain information about children and engage them in inappropriate conversations or activities. These predators can be found on social media platforms, chat rooms, and gaming websites.

Parents should keep an eye on their children’s online activities, including their friends’ list and private messages. Teach your children about online safety and the importance of not sharing personal information online.

Ensure that their privacy settings are set to the maximum level and talk to them about the dangers of interacting with strangers online.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

Children may stumble upon inappropriate content while browsing the internet, leading to confusion and emotional distress. Such content may include violent images, pornography, and hate speech.

Health experts warn that exposure to inappropriate content at an early age may lead to addiction and the development of unhealthy behaviors.

Parents can protect their children from exposure to inappropriate content by installing parental control software. They can also set internet filters to block any explicit content.

Ensure that your children understand the importance of avoiding such content. Also, encourage them to report it to you immediately if they encounter it.

Addiction to Social Media

Social media addiction among children is becoming a significant concern among parents. It may lead to poor academic performance, disinterest in hobbies, and poor social relations.

Addiction to social media can also lead to lower self-esteem and mental health issues.

Parents should limit the time their children spend on social media and encourage them to engage in physical activities and hobbies.

Educate your children on how social media works, and the impact it has on their lives. Ensure that they understand the importance of not comparing themselves to others on social media. As well as not giving into peer pressure.

Safeguarding your children online requires vigilance and proactive measures. Ensure that you make use of the necessary tools and resources available to protect your children from harm.

Equally important, have open and honest conversations with your children about online safety and the potential risks. Your timely intervention and support may prevent untold damage from online dangers.

Nigerian Parents’ Handbook on Safeguarding Children Online

As the internet becomes more accessible to Nigerian children, it is essential for parents to provide guidance and protection to their children.

The Nigerian Parents’ Handbook on Safeguarding Children Online is a comprehensive guide designed to equip parents with the necessary tools to keep their children safe online.

Features of the Handbook

• The handbook provides detailed information on the potential dangers of the internet, such as cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to inappropriate content.
• It offers practical advice on how to talk to children about online safety and how to set age-appropriate limits to their internet usage.
• The handbook also includes step-by-step instructions on how to set up parental controls and use software to monitor and track children’s online activities.
• It provides useful tips on how to identify warning signs of online danger and how to report suspicious behavior to the appropriate authorities.
• The handbook also includes a list of useful resources such as websites and apps that can facilitate safe online behavior.

Benefits of the Handbook

• The handbook offers parents peace of mind and reassurance that they can effectively safeguard their children from online dangers.
• It helps parents establish open communication channels with their children and encourages them to talk about their online experiences and any problems they may encounter.
• By following the guidelines in the handbook , parents can teach their children responsible and safe internet behavior, which sets them up for success in the future.
• The handbook emphasizes the importance of education and awareness, empowering parents with the necessary skills to stay informed and up to date with the latest online threats.
• It also helps to bridge the digital divide between parents and children, promoting mutual respect and understanding of each other’s perspectives.

In a nutshell, the Nigerian Parents’ Handbook on Safeguarding Children Online is an essential resource that provides Nigerian parents with practical advice and useful tools to protect their children online.

By staying informed and following the guidelines provided in the handbook, parents can ensure their children’s online safety and security.

Read: Effect of Work-Life Balance on Mental Health: Nigeria’s Stand

Tips for Safe Internet Use for Children

• Teach your child the basics of internet safety
• Explain to your child the importance of not giving out personal information online
• Teach your child about online predators and how to avoid them
• Encourage your child to tell you if they encounter anything online that makes them feel uncomfortable

Restrictions on the type of content a child can access 

Setting restrictions on the type of content your child can access is critical in ensuring their safety while they explore the internet. Here are some tips:

• Set up parental controls on all devices your child uses to access the internet
• Use child-oriented search engines or enable safe search features on regular search engines
• Block and report any inappropriate content your child may come across
• Make sure your child understands the consequences of accessing inappropriate content

Read: Vaccination Schedule for Children in Nigeria: A Guide

Monitor internet use regularly 

Monitoring your child’s internet use is essential to ensure they are not putting themselves in harm’s way. Here are some ways to do it:

• Regularly check your child’s online browsing history
• Consider using software or apps designed for parental monitoring
• Limit the amount of screen time your child has each day
• Be aware of the websites and online services your child uses

Encourage safe online practices 

Encouraging your child to practice safe online habits is just as critical as setting restrictions or monitoring their internet use. Here are some online practices to encourage:

• Teach your child to use strong and unique passwords
• Encourage your child to engage in online activities with friends they know in real life
• Explain the risks associated with downloading attachments or clicking links from unknown sources
• Encourage your child to report any suspicious activity or behavior to a trusted adult or authority figure

Overall, being proactive and involved in your child’s online activity is the best way to keep them safe.

By teaching them the basics of internet safety, setting restrictions, monitoring their use, and instilling safe online habits, you can help your child navigate the internet safely and with confidence.

Explore Further: Optimizing the Immunity of Your Child Through Nutrition

Resources for Nigerian Parents

Nigeria is a country where parents are always looking to protect their children from harm, and with the rise of the internet, online safety for children has become a major concern for parents.

Fortunately, there are several resources available to Nigerian parents to ensure that their children are safe online.

Government institutions offering support for online safety

• Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC): This government agency is responsible for regulating the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. The NCC has launched several initiatives to promote online safety for children.
• National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA): NITDA is a government agency that is responsible for promoting the development of information technology in Nigeria. They offer various resources on internet safety for parents.
• Federal Ministry of Communications: The Federal Ministry of Communications is the government body responsible for formulating policies for the development of the communications sector in Nigeria. The ministry has launched several initiatives to promote online safety for children.

Online resources for parents on Internet safety

• Webwise: Webwise is an online resource created by the Irish government to provide parents, teachers, and students with information and advice on internet safety. The website provides a range of resources on how to stay safe online.
• NetSmartz: NetSmartz is an online resource created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to educate children and parents on internet safety. The website provides a range of resources on topics such as cyberbullying, online privacy, and social networking.
• Childnet International: Childnet International is a non-profit organization that works to promote the safe and responsible use of the Internet by children and young people. Their website provides resources and advice for parents on a range of issues related to online safety.

Non-governmental organizations providing support for online child protection in Nigeria

• SafeOnline: SafeOnline is a non-governmental organization that provides information and resources on internet safety for children and young people. The organization also works with schools and communities to provide training and education on online safety.
• Child Protection Network: The Child Protection Network is a non-governmental organization that works to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. They offer resources and training on internet safety for parents and caregivers.
• Save the Children: Save the Children is a global non-governmental organization that works to promote children’s rights and protect children from harm. They offer resources and support to parents on a range of issues, including online safety.

Parents in Nigeria have access to a range of resources to help them protect their children online.

It is important for parents to take an active role in their children’s online lives and to educate themselves on the risks and dangers associated with the internet.

By using the above resources, parents can ensure that their children are safe and secure while using the internet.

Read: Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on Nigerian Parenting

Gain More Insights: Creating Healthy Habits: A Guide for Nigerian Parents

Learn More: Building a Disciplined Child: Tips from Nigerian Parents

Protecting children online is crucial for their safety and well-being. As highlighted in this handbook , Nigerian parents need to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children’s online activities.

As responsible parents, it is essential to educate ourselves and our children about online risks. We should monitor our children’s online activities and restrict their access to inappropriate sites.

Moreover, we should emphasize the importance of cybersecurity and ensure that our devices are secure. Parents should also create an open dialogue with their children about their online experiences and encourage them to report any incidents of cyberbullying or online harassment.

On a final note, Nigerian parents need to prioritize their children’s online safety. By taking these measures, we can create a safer online environment for our children. Let us be vigilant and proactive in protecting our children online.

Remember, the safety of our children is our responsibility- let’s make it a priority.

• Creating Healthy Habits: A Guide for Nigerian Parents
• Balanced Diet for Kids: Nigerian Meals Edition

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• Online gaming – the risks

Online gaming – The risks 

Gaming is a fun and sociable way to spend time, encouraging teamwork and developing skills. All good stuff, but there are a few risks you need to be aware to help them stay safe and have positive gaming experience.

• The Benefits
• The Resources

What’s on the page

What are the risks of online gaming?

Online gaming addiction: recognising the signs

Contact with strangers

• Online gaming health: potential physical impact
• Online gaming costs and rise of gambling and skin betting 
• Online gaming effect on behaviour: impact of seeing inappropriate content
•     Online gaming addiction: recognising the signs

Although there are some great benefits to online gaming for young people, there are important risk factors that might impact their wellbeing.

Games can offer young people a sense of escape from the reality of the world and the social aspect of some games can help children feel part of a community. However, without the right guidance on what games to play or when to play, children can be exposed to certain risks such as in-game bullying, online grooming or in some extreme cases gaming addiction.

Below we’ve provided advice on some of the potential risks and things you can do to support young people on these issues to build their resilience and help them make safer choices while gaming.

Online Game Addiction

Recognising the signs

There has been a lot in the news about online gaming addiction as one of the risk factors associated with video games. Many parents and carers worry that their children may become addicted to their video game pastime.

This is not surprising. As with any hobby — football, chess, reading — those who enjoy playing video games for leisure will do so enthusiastically and deeply. This can lead to a desire from children to play for longer and more frequently. Of course, video games are designed to minimise the hurdles to repeat play and maximise enjoyment. This persuasive approach means it’s important for parents to guide children with screen time limits (available on consoles and smartphones) as they develop their own healthy boundaries.

Gaming addiction classified as disorder

These worries have been intensified with news that the World Health Organisation (WHO) adding “gaming” under the section that deals with ‘Disorders due to addictive behaviours’ (category 06) which also deals with alcohol, drugs, gambling. There has been strong disagreement among experts on the inclusion of video gaming in the ICD-11 list.

This criteria, when endorsed, aims to identify extreme cases of behaviour as addiction. The average child who plays a lot of games is not addicted. Only when their gaming is to the severe detriment of other parts of life — including schoolwork, relationships, personal hygeine, health and other areas. When they continue to pursue video gaming in spite of the negative effects for at least 12 months does it start to fall into this diagnosis.

Also, it’s important to understand that the levels of dopamine that games create in the brain are only a tenth of those created by chemical substances that can be addictive. Withdrawal symptoms from video gaming could include behaviours such as irritability or aggression as well as other impacts to mood rather than chemical withdrawal associated with substance abuse. Addiction treatment is about helping children form new habits to change this behaviour.

Gaming disorder: what you need to know   – Advice from tech expert Andy Robertson

Parent story : What do you do if your child is addicted to online gaming?

What the expert say : What is ‘gaming addiction and how can you prevent children from developing it?

Advice to support children

It is a good idea for parents to understand how long their children play games and what games they are playing.

Where gaming gets excessive, time limits can be a good short term measure to reset bad habits.

Take regular breaks of at least five minutes every 45 – 60 minutes as a rule of thumb.

Avoid only setting time limits and instead play games with children and help them find a range of activities to enjoy.

If you are concerned about the health of someone who is playing games excessively then you should consult your GP.

Managing online interactions

Like many things in life, video games are much more fun when played with other people. Recently that has transitioned from playing with people in the same room to other people online.

Additionally, the numbers of people that can participate in a single game has greatly risen. The popularity of Fortnite stems in part from its inclusion of 100 strangers in the same fight to the death.

Growth of social networking in gaming

Also, the level and types of communication online games offer has evolved significantly over recent years. Whereas games were seen separately to social media, they now greatly overlap with online social sharing sites . In fact, most children’s first interaction with someone they don’t know online is now more likely to be in a video game like Roblox than anywhere else.

Use of personas to hide real identities

In these games, players do not necessarily know who they are playing with. Online personas in the games may report to be other children but it is hard to validate if this is the case. Because of this, parents and carers need to understand the games their children are playing and how to set them up safely.

Handled sensibly, playing with other children online can enrich a child’s enjoyment and also bring them into contact with others from around the world with different cultures and outlooks.

Parents’ guide to Roblox and how your kids can play it safely

Advice from the London School of Economics : The importance of video game literacy for healthy parenting

Internet Matters expert advice : Managing online stranger danger and digital relationships with kids – a parent’s story

When you first purchase a video game console, ensure you set up the online interaction settings in its Parental Controls or Family Settings.

Keep consoles and computers in shared family spaces so you can see the interactions for yourself.

If your child uses a headset to play, ensure they play over the speakers occasionally so you can hear what is being said.

Install the community applications for consoles like PlayStation and Xbox so you are notified of direct messages to your account.

Set up separate accounts for children of different ages in your home to be able to tailor interactions.

Play the games together, using your child’s account to see who they are talking to.

On consoles, you can create a lobby of your child’s known friends before starting a game, and then mute other players to keep a safe but connection experience.

Online Gaming Health

Potential physical impact.

Video games are perceived to be a sedentary hobby. However, many new games and technology actively encourage movement and motion. Whether this is getting the family out for walks with Pokemon Go! or jumping around the sitting room with Just Dance, games can actually be a great way to get the family moving.

Ensuring children take breaks and move around

There have been studies that suggest situations in which someone spends hours sitting in one place can increase the risk of a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). But this can happen with any stationary leisure activity – including watching television, listening to music or reading a book.

Where children are playing games just on screens, it is good advice to ensure they take breaks every hour. Not only will this keep them moving but it offers a chance for a change of activity.

Another area for concern is with bright flashing lights that are often a part of video game experiences. The current research shows that video games don’t cause epilepsy but can (like television or pop concerts) trigger a seizure in the extremely small number of people, who already have Photosensitive Epilepsy.

The Consumer Safety Unit of the governmental department, together with the National Epilepsy Society, has carried out an exhaustive study into this area, which found that epilepsy cannot be caused by playing computer games.

AskAboutGames advice on DVT and Epilepsy

Advice from the Epilepsy Foundation on video game induced-seizures

Internet Matters expert article : Making screen time active with great apps

Encourage your children to play a wide variety of online video games.

Ensure children take breaks every hour.

Consider whether you have a history of Photosensitive Epilepsy in your family.

Introduce games you play together that include activity.

If you experience symptoms such as light-headedness, altered vision, eye or face twitching it is recommended that you immediately stop playing and consult a doctor.

Online Video Game Costs and Gambling

Use of in-game and in-app purchases

Online video games require relatively complex hardware to participate in, along with a high-speed internet connection. This can create the perception that you need the most up to date technology for your child.

However, there are a wide range of ways that your child can play video games online without breaking the bank. Tablet devices and older smartphones are a good example of this. Even older models can offer a comprehensive way to enjoy video games online. Apps such as Roblox can offer children access to the game even on lower-end devices.

In-game and in-app purchases and freemium games

Other costs that parents should be aware of are those that crop up after the initial purchase or download of the game. An increasingly popular way to fund game development is to offer games for free but then charge for content or characters in the game – these are called freemium games. Fortnite is an example of a free game making a lot money from it’s in-game purchases that unlock new outfits and dances.

Skin gambling [Betting] – What is it?

In some instances, these transactions (sometimes called Loot Boxes) offer a chance to win an in-game item of varying value to the player. This can appear similar to gambling as there is luck involved as to which item the player will get. Also, some games like Rocket League have historically presented these items in a “fruit machine” style, spin to win.

From a Gambling Commission perspective, this is not actually gambling because there is no monetary value of the items won outside the game. If it was considered gambling it could not be marketed to children.

This means that some countries, such as Belgium have outlawed the use of “loot boxes” in games because they are seen as gambling aimed at children. There is no consensus more widely available, though. In the UK and US, games are now labeled as having In-App purchases as part of the rating system.

An important distinction, that many articles conflate, is between online gaming and online video games. Online gaming usually refers to gambling websites where players can partake in traditional gambling games of cards, dice and slot machines. Online video games are the topic of this section, playing on consoles and PC to offer players a challenge of skill in a virtual world.

Children, who want more in-game currency to purchase loot boxes, are sometimes targeted but unofficial third-party apps offering this in exchange for information. It’s important that parents understand this, educate children, and ensure appropriate passwords are set on credit card details.

Risk of malware on free-to-download games

To avoid un-intentionally downloading apps or free games that may be bundled with malware or spyware it’s important to:

• Check and research apps and games that children plan to download
• Stick to legitimate websites when downloading any game
• Explain risks of downloading ‘free’ games and what to do if something goes wrong
• Set online boundaries and agree which websites and apps are best for them to use

More information

What are viruses and malware? See more advice from BBC

Gambling Commission article on in-game purchases & loot boxes

SWGfL Parenting in a digital age: The real cost of online gaming 

Internet Matters guides to set up parental controls on devices, games consoles, and app stores

Consider the ongoing costs of playing a game before making a purchase or granting your child permission to download it.

Set-up parental controls to limit access to any credit cards associated with online game accounts

Set-up your device or console with an email account you check so that purchases are quickly flagged.

Consider not associating your credit card with an account and instead, buying gift cards with pre-set credit, similar to book tokens.

Online Gaming Effects on Behaviour

Tackling cyberbullying and online hate

Because of the interactive nature of video games, where players participate in the on-screen action, parents can worry that this will affect children’s behaviour. This is particularly true where younger players experience more violent games not necessarily designed for their age group.

No direct link between violent behaviour offline and video games

However, contrary to popular belief and many newspaper headlines following violent incidents involving teenagers, a direct link between video game violence and violent behaviour has not been found.

In their book, Moral Combat, Markey and Ferguson show that although the rise of video game sales to teenagers has risen steeply over the years there has been no correlating rise in violent crime. In fact, they suggest the reverse is true — that games can play a role in keeping teenagers off the streets and out of trouble.

Still, it is important that parents understand how video games affect their children. Parents may not be aware of the actual scenes their children will experience in games before playing them. It’s crucial, therefore, that parents use the PEGI ratings and related information that provides a detailed account of the violence, sex and language contained in a video game.

Keeping it positive while gaming

Take a look at our Internet Manners guide to give your child tips on how to interact safely with others online.

Advice on how to help children manage their emotions when gaming affects their mood or mental state

Mum shares son’s experience of cyberbullying while gaming

Tips to keep kids safe while playing popular video games during holidays

Gaming advice by age 

More to explore.

See more articles and resources to keep children safe online

• Advice for 0-5 years
• Advice for 11-13 years
• Advice for 14+ year olds
• Advice for 6-10 years
• Fortnite safety
• Minecraft safety
• Online gaming resources
• Roblox safety

Support on site

• Mum gamer shares online gaming benefits and potential challenges
• Gaming consoles and platforms
• Expert advice on gaming addiction in young people and children

Related Web Links

Cybersmile gaming help centre

Support to help children negative emotions when gaming

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Essay on Dangers Of Technology

Students are often asked to write an essay on Dangers Of Technology in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Dangers Of Technology

Introduction.

Technology is a big part of our lives today. We use it for many things, like talking to friends, learning new things, and even playing games. But, it can also be dangerous. It’s important to understand these dangers so we can use technology safely.

Online Safety

When we use the internet, we can meet people we don’t know. Sometimes, these people can be mean or try to trick us. It’s important to be careful about who we talk to online and what information we share.

Health Risks

Using technology too much can be bad for our health. It can cause us to sit too much, which is not good for our bodies. It can also hurt our eyes if we look at screens for too long.

Privacy Issues

Technology can also put our private information at risk. Hackers can steal our information and use it in bad ways. It’s important to protect our information by using strong passwords and not sharing too much online.

Technology can be very helpful, but it can also be dangerous. We need to be careful and smart when we use it. By understanding the dangers, we can make sure we use technology in a safe way.

250 Words Essay on Dangers Of Technology

Technology is a big part of our lives today. We use it to learn, work, and have fun. But, it can also be dangerous. This essay will talk about why technology can be bad for us.

Health Issues

One big problem with technology is that it can hurt our health. When we spend a lot of time looking at screens, our eyes can get tired and hurt. This is called digital eye strain. Also, sitting for a long time can make our bodies hurt. This can lead to problems like obesity and heart disease.

Privacy Concerns

Another danger of technology is that it can invade our privacy. Websites and apps often collect information about us. This can include our location, what we like, and who we talk to. This is a big problem because it can be used to hurt us. For example, someone could steal our identity or our money.

We can also become too dependent on technology. This means we rely on it too much. For example, we might use GPS to get around instead of learning how to read a map. This can be bad because if the technology stops working, we might not know what to do.

In conclusion, technology can be dangerous. It can hurt our health, invade our privacy, and make us too dependent. We need to be careful about how we use technology and make sure we are safe.

500 Words Essay on Dangers Of Technology

Technology has become a big part of our lives. We use it every day in many ways, like phones, computers, and even cars. But, like everything else, technology also has its downsides. This essay will talk about the dangers of technology.

Risk to Privacy

One of the biggest risks of technology is to our privacy. When we use the internet, we leave a digital footprint. This can be used by people with bad intent to steal our personal information. They can use this information to commit crimes like identity theft. So, while technology helps us in many ways, it also makes us vulnerable to privacy risks.

Technology can also affect our health. Many of us spend a lot of time looking at screens, like computers or phones. This can lead to problems like poor eyesight or headaches. Too much screen time can also lead to lack of physical activity, which can cause obesity and other health problems. So, it is important to balance our use of technology with other activities.

Impact on Social Skills

Technology can also impact our social skills. When we spend too much time on our devices, we spend less time interacting with people in real life. This can make it harder for us to develop good social skills. It can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. So, while technology can help us to connect with others, it can also make us feel more alone.

Dependence on Technology

Another risk of technology is that we can become too dependent on it. We use technology for so many things, like shopping, learning, and even finding our way around. If we become too reliant on technology, we can lose important skills. For example, if we always use GPS to get around, we might forget how to read a map. So, while technology can make our lives easier, it can also make us less self-reliant.

In conclusion, technology has many benefits, but it also has risks. It can put our privacy at risk, affect our health, impact our social skills, and make us too dependent on it. It is important to be aware of these risks and to use technology in a balanced and responsible way. By doing this, we can enjoy the benefits of technology while minimizing its dangers.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Dangers Of Speeding
• Essay on Dangers Of Online Dating
• Essay on Dangers Of Drugs

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Online Gaming Essay | Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Gaming

Online gaming is the most talked about fun topic among the teenagers of the 21st century. At the same time, it is the most talked about serious topic among the parents and teachers. Everyone has their own reasons to discuss online gaming. Our reason today is to help you write an Essay on Online Gaming so that you are exposed to the unseen side of online gaming addiction.

Long Essay on Online Gaming Addiction in 500 words | Argumentative Essay on Online Games Good or Bad

How online gaming started.

The Internet has changed the way we live, we eat, we dress, we work and we play. It has become a preferred and comfortable mode which has made our lives way too easy. Today almost everything is available at the click of a button. You ask for a thing and it reaches your doorstep within days. Amidst these gratifying moments, when we are saved from the daily hustle-bustle, another trend of online gaming has emerged. 

Advantages of Online Games

Online gaming is a huge platform today. A platform that has broken all barriers and boundaries amidst countries around the world. In online gaming, you can connect to anyone anywhere in the world and play. Sometimes you don’t even know with whom you are playing and this mystery makes the experience even more thrilling. It also gives the player an opportunity to make new friends from other countries and get a chance to showcase their talent worldwide.

Nowadays, many online gaming championships are organized where gamers get a platform to compete with the best of the best and enhance their skills. It has gained much popularity over the years because one can play an online game on even a basic smartphone. What one requires is a consistent internet connection. Developing, designing and marketing online games has turned into a full-fledged profession and many are earning their bread and butter through it. 

Disadvantages of Online Gaming

But then there is always the other side of a coin which is often dark and dingy. The other side of online gaming is not only dark but dreadful too. Many tend to become addicted to online gaming and it takes away all of their productive time. When money gets involved in it through betting, families are ruined. It pulls an individual into isolation as mostly online gamers play alone. Their social interaction becomes nil which leads to depression and loneliness.

Online harassment through many gaming sites is not a new thing. Children can easily be trapped in this way. Long hours spent in front of the computer can harm their posture and eyes too. These games, through their catchy visuals, entice young children and they become addicted to them to such an extent that they forget to eat or sleep and prefer to sit in front of the screen all the time. Such addiction not only harms the individual but the whole family suffers due to it. Besides social effects, there are many psychological symptoms like anxiety, irritability and uncontrollable mood swings which take a toll on the health of an individual due to addiction.  

Ways to Control Online Gaming Addiction

Self-control, time management and focus can serve as the three pillars for fighting the addiction to online gaming. The external prohibitions from the government in the form of laws, certain regulations and even a ban on a few of them are not going to solve the problem. Good parenting, positive family time and socializing with friends can prove to be helpful.  In some severe cases, guidance from a counsellor could become necessary. Positive reinforcement & support from loved ones is required for an individual to come out of this addiction. 

‘Nothing can be more exciting and thrilling than a victory in real life’. So, let’s look forward to a win in real life than online.

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How to make native  bee hives and how to install them?

Native beehives and artificial ones.

Before we start, we should understand the differences between native beehives and artificial ones and how many types of beehives there are. First, Assignment help Adelaide and let’s discuss what native bees are. Native bees refer to those that don’t really make a nest; they prefer to live in hollow trees or inside tree trunks.

Accommodate the needs

While native bee hives mean habitats that are not artificial and usually cater to the needs of the bees rather than the person who is trying to obtain honey. So, native beehives refer to hives that are used to accommodate the needs of bees. Native bees usually refer to bees that prefer to live in tree trunks or hollowed-out tree trunks, rather than the typical bees that construct beehives in other locations.

They cannot sting you

Thus, assignment writer Adelaide and what other things are between native bees and normal bees? 70% of native bees are ground nesting, which means they burrow in soil and have access to bare soil. The other 30% of native bees are cavity-nesting which means they live inside trees. And these bees are usually stingless, moreover, they cannot sting you.

Types of beehives

Now let’s talk about beehives in terms of how many beehives can be made. Usually, there are 3 types of beehives you can make.

Let’s start first. Is the Langstroth Hive Show? First, let’s discuss the pros. It is easily accessible, and you can dissect it quite easily. They are stacked boxes, after all. Honey can be extracted by centrifugation. Most of the beekeeping courses teach you about this management technique for beehives. Now, let’s talk about cons.

Measuring certain parts

Mostly, coursework help Adelaide and observing pesticides and heavy metals over time requires measuring certain parts to prevent them from harming the hives.

Hex Hive: What is a box-like structure with 6 sides and a top? Honey can be easily extracted using a centrifugal extractor. Bees usually encourage building natural combs inside of it. The hexagonal shapes really help with cold spots, of course.

Can be dangerous;

This comes with concise parts that need to be measured perfectly, so do not cut the beaver fillings and waxes. A PET scan can be dangerous; access can only be granted by removing the roof, which can be seen as a trade-off. Usually, these cons will be common in almost all the beehives.

Doom hives’ desires are usually hung from hives. It’s more rounded rather than a box structure, which promotes healthy and strong colonies. Best of all, it has no place to hide, and the bottom comes away, allowing for easier inspection. The top also has lips for better sealing.

Understand beehives

You can extract the comb easily. It is quite good. It is usually made of wood and is used for cutting hair. These mechanicals can be difficult to curl.

Now that we have understand beehives or at least the most known ones we should look into which kind of bees we should take care of Usually the most common B2 use is western honey bee or apple mellifera

Native stingless bees

But you could go for native stingless bees which are kept in some tropical regions such as Africa and Australia who are stingless which allows them to be more or less useful for us. However in this case we are just going to look for native bees hives.

Let’s make a native bee house design. First, you need a base. The most important thing is a 13 m wide entrance hole that is angled upwards. This height should be waterproof.

Therefore, consider at least making an extremely satisfactory roof so the water doesn’t get in the heat of the high temperature is quite crucial as most native bees prefer a warmer environment. The structure should be made out of wood. If possible otherwise,there should be a place at least at the bottom filled with bees and letting them make there be wax to create their structure and a way to eradicate it. Usually a sliding method should be enough.