Protecting your Teenager — “Nobody told me there was going to be a test.”
During 1998 and 2004, there were 28 million children born in the United States according to the statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. These children have grown into teenagers and are using the internet at an incredible rate. They are experiencing a world where technology and the “Internet of Things” are growing faster than most parents, let alone the child, can readily comprehend and understand. Social media websites and apps are introduced and labeled outdated by teenagers before parents even learned it existed. It has become the new normal.
Before we get caught up in this fast pace world of technology and the internet for teenagers, let’s take a moment and reflect on the past. Think back to the very first moment you glanced into the eyes of your child and realized your world would never be the same. That very moment you promised to do anything in your power to protect them.
Of course, you quickly learned that raising a child will bring a whole new set of challenges as life began to unfold. You experienced the “thrills of victory and the agony of defeat” as your child developed new skills and learned to interact with the world. You cautiously watched over your child and protected them against perceived harm as promised. You locked the doors at night and set the alarm in anticipation of keeping intruders out. After all, the safety of your child was a major concern.
Now, let’s fast forward to today. Your child is a teenager and you continue to lock the doors and set the alarm each night. Unfortunately, a stranger already has access to your teenager. It is estimated that there are 207 million smartphones in the United States. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 92% of children between the ages of 13 to 17 reported going online daily. At least 75% of them reported having access to smartphone technology. So, what does this mean to a parent?
YOU HAVE TO GET INVOLVED AND STAY INVOLVED!
Over the last few decades, we have all been told about the importance of exercise in relationship to living a long and productive life. We accept that fact and strive to improve our health by exercising. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This includes 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly incorporating 75 minutes of vigorous activity when possible. In return, we hope to stay healthy and continue living. The same principles attributed to your health should be applied for an ACTIVE relationship with your teenager.
We started this article discussing how the world of technology is moving faster than most parents can readily comprehend. Being able to successful maneuver within Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or SnapChat is a major accomplishment for parents. Unfortunately, teenagers are traveling at a faster pace and may not necessarily perceive threats from online strangers. How often does your teenager have access to the internet in their room alone at night? Do you know who they are communicating with on their smartphone? Few people have been radicalized through the internet, but there are plenty of other predators hiding in the shadows waiting to interact with your teenager. Unfortunately, predators have the advantage. They can reduce their learning curve to one app to find potential victims. Some of the apps even offer anonymous interactions, thus allow individuals to hide their identity. The protective instincts of a parent can help their teenager understand the dangers of communicating with individuals on the internet. Parents must be willing to educate themselves on the dangers and communicate with their son or daughter. A detached relationship with your teenager could result in severe consequences that last a lifetime. Getting involved is the most important gift you can give your teenager, making it as routine as exercising daily.
Some good news, parents are not alone. There are 61 Task Forces as part of the National Network for Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) that diligently work to “help Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communication systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children.” Parents need to get involved with the internet activities of their teenagers and understand the dangers confronting them.
Get involved now! 92% of teenagers between 13 and 17 have already started. As you become more educated, share information with your fellow parents to educate them. Who said you had to take the test alone? Collective knowledge is an effective parental protection.
For more common sense safety tips, please visit: https://www.icactaskforce.org/Pages/Home.aspx.
Here are some other publications from your professionals at Security Executives:
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Full Body Scanning — A Search Between Privacy and Security
Why Are Americans Bringing Guns to the Airport?
How to Survive in a World Gone Mad
Bomb Voyage, What Does it Mean to You?
