
25/06/2025
** Parental concerms re time online/social media **
Parents often express concerns about their teenagers' online presence due to potential risks like exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and privacy issues. Many parents also worry about the impact of social media on their child's mental health and well-being. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between monitoring and respecting their privacy to foster open communication and healthy online habits.
Common concerns...
* Parents worry that teenagers can encounter harmful content like po*******hy, violence, or hate speech online.
* Online bullying and harassment are significant concerns, with many parents worried about their children being both victims and perpetrators.
* Parents are concerned about teenagers sharing too much personal information online and the potential for it to be misused.
* Social media use has been linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in teenagers.
* Parents are concerned about the lasting impact of their child's online activity and the potential for it to affect future opportunities.
* I recommend parents regularly talk to their teenagers about their online experiences, what they're seeing, and how they're feeling.
* While it's important to monitor your teenager's online activity, do so in a way that respects their privacy and fosters trust.
If as a parent you have concerns about your child's online activity. You should contact CEOP.
CEOP stands for Child Exploitation and Online Protection. It is a UK law enforcement agency that focuses on protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation, both online and offline. CEOP also provides resources and support for children, parents, and professionals to help them stay safe online.
As parents we need to think of the examples we set for our children. If parents are constantly on their devices. The children are likely to do the same.
Handing a young child your phone at the dinner table,
does disrupt family time, it also limits social interaction, and then can lead to unhealthy habits. Therefore parents are advised that phones should be kept away during meals to encourage conversation and a more positive association with mealtimes.
It's sad to see tables in restaurants when Mum, Dad and two siblings are all on their phones at the table and not one of them is in a conversation.