Navigating the digital world can feel like a rollercoaster for today’s families. Kids are getting their hands on smartphones, tablets, and social media at younger ages, meaning parents are left juggling the challenge of staying connected while keeping them safe.
Sure, the internet offers tons of benefits; educational resources, social connections, and creative outlets; but it also comes with some significant risks that need our attention.
For parents, it’s all about finding that sweet spot: allowing kids to enjoy healthy online experiences while also protecting them from things like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and predatory behaviour.
So, how do we help our kids explore the digital world safely while ensuring they don’t fall prey to its darker sides?
The double-edged sword of social media
Having instant access to your child is a blessing, but social media can be a double-edged sword.
According to UNICEF, over a third of young people in 30 countries report being cyberbullied, with one in five even skipping school because of it.
In South Africa, UNICEF and the Department of Social Development had the Bureau of Market Research (BMR) at UNISA conduct a survey. This survey is part of a bigger study involving 14 countries in Southern and Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia.
The findings are alarming:
- 70% of children surveyed use the internet without parental consent
- 25% have added people they’ve never met face-to-face to their friends or contact lists
- 18% have sent photos or videos of themselves to people they’ve never met in person
- 67% of children who saw sexual images came across them on an online device
Real-world concerns: A parent’s perspective
We spoke with the parents of a 17-year-old matric pupil about their biggest concerns. As liberal, progressive parents, they prioritise both digital and physical security.
“The biggest risk is meeting strangers online who seem like peers but aren’t. Kids don’t realise how easily someone can pretend to be them,” one parent said.
On screen time, they noted, “You’re parenting against the cellphone. It’s a constant battle to get them off the screen.”
To protect their child, they added, “We’ve added web content blocks on our iPhones and teach them how to navigate the internet safely.”
They also believe social media should verify real identities. “There should be a requirement for ID or a birth certificate when setting up a phone.”
Reflecting on a personal experience, they shared, “We caught our 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old nephew watching porn. They both said, ‘It’s normal, everyone watches it.’ We explained the dangers and blocked Safari.”
UNICEF’s 5 key tips to keep your child safe online
Set Rules: Chat about online buddies and privacy. Tell them to report weird stuff.
Protect: Update devices, use privacy settings, cover webcams, and set parental controls. (Popular apps are Qustodio, Bark, and Net Nanny.)
Join In: Hang out online, show good behaviour, and find safe apps.
Model Good: Respect privacy, post mindfully, and encourage kindness.
Balance Fun: Support creativity, but mix online with offline fun.
By using these tips, you’ll equip your child to explore the digital world confidently and responsibly.
They’ll enjoy the best the internet has while staying protected from potential dangers. You’ve got this!
Words: Fame Frenzy
