Back-to-School Online Safety: What Parents Need to Know

A new school year is upon us, it’s an important time for parents to have critical conversations with their children about safety, particularly the risks of sexual abuse and exploitation. According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), an estimated 60,000 children in the U.S. are sexually abused each year. Alarmingly, 34% of these victims are under the age of 12, and 66% are between the ages of 12 and 17.

Parents should be having conversations around reinforcing safety, consent, and establishing boundaries around online activities. Parents should also be actively monitoring children’s online activities, checking their phones, computers and video games regularly, and staying informed about who they are interacting with.

The Reality of Online Sexual Abuse

The statistics highlight a sobering reality: child sexual abuse often involves individuals who are close to the victim. According to RAINN only 7% of offenders are strangers, while 59% are known to the family, such as family friends, and 34% are relatives. This underscores the need for parents to be vigilant, not just about strangers but also about those within their child’s circle.

In today’s digital age, it’s crucial for parents to stay ahead of their tech-savvy children. Parents should inspect their child’s phone frequently and unexpectedly to ensure they aren’t hiding anything inappropriate. Understanding the hidden risks within social media and mobile devices is key to preventing your child from becoming a victim of exploitation.

Know the Lingo for Online Safety

Parents should be aware of common acronyms used online, such as:

• ASL – Age, Sex, Location
• CD9 – Parents aren’t around
• GNGR – Get naked right now
• GNOC – Get naked on camera
• LMIRL – Let’s meet in real life
• NP4NP – Naked picture for naked picture
• TDTM – Talk dirty to me

Video Games and Online Safety

Online video games also pose significant risks that parents need to be aware of. Many games feature chat functions and online communities where predators can easily interact with young players, often under the guise of friendship or gaming camaraderie. These interactions can lead to grooming, cyberbullying, or exposure to inappropriate content. Additionally, some games encourage in-game purchases, which can be exploited by scammers targeting unsuspecting children. To protect their children, parents should monitor the games their kids are playing, set clear boundaries around online interactions, and regularly review chat logs and friend lists to ensure their child’s safety.

Protecting Children and Others

This awareness is not only about protecting children from others but also from their own actions.  It’s easy for children to fall prey to peer pressure and engage in these acts themsevels. As a result, 66% of child sexual abuse victims are between the ages of 12 and 17. Parents staying engaged and informed helps children navigate the complex and often dangerous online world.

The start of a new school year offers a valuable opportunity for parents to:

• refresh safety protocols,
• deepen trust,
• and ensure that their children are equipped to recognize and report any signs of abuse.

By staying proactive and informed, parents are protecting their children from the dangers of sexual abuse and exploitation.