Talking to Teens About AI: A Quick Guide for Parents
How AI Impacts Everyday Life Aura data has shown that one in five children are actively using AI-based apps, including accessing content meant for adults. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way kids learn, communicate, and use technology. From AI-powered tutoring to chatbot companions and deepfake technology, these tools offer exciting possibilities but also bring risks. While AI can boost creativity, education, and efficiency, it can also expose kids to inappropriate content, social manipulation, and ethical concerns. What is Generative AI? AI comes in different forms, which can make it hard for parents to keep up! Generative AI (Gen AI) creates new contentâtext, images, music, and videosâby recognizing patterns in the data it has learned from. Unlike traditional AI, which analyzes information, Gen AI generates entirely new outputs. Some common examples include: Chatbots â AI tools that help with conversations and writing. AI-generated images and deepfakes â Used to create or alter pictures and videos. AI-powered music and content creators â Programs that compose music, generate video scripts, and assist with storytelling. While these tools can be useful, they also pose risks, such as generating inappropriate content and spreading misinformation. How Teens Use AI Many parents donât realize how much their kids are already using AI. A Common Sense Media survey of 1,045 children found that 70% of teens have used AI, but only 37% of parents were aware (Madden et al., 2024). Since AI tools are so easy to access, parents must take an active role in helping their kids use AI safely and responsibly. Hope Lab's report from the survey also explored the question: "What is one important thing adults should know about how teens use AI?" through additional research and analysis. The findings highlighted several key use areas: AI in Schoolwork â Teens use AI regularly for assignments, sometimes in ways that cross into cheating. General Curiosity â Many teens ask AI random questions to learn or get quick answers. Companionship â Some use AI chatbots for comfort and as conversation partners. Creativity & Entertainment â Teens enjoy AI for art, music, and other creative projects. Self-Image & Social Media â Some modify their appearance in photos using AI tools. Dishonesty & Bullying â AI is sometimes used for deception, such as faking voices to trick parents or for cyberbullying. Sexual Curiosity â Some teens turn to AI for intimate or explicit conversations. Despite these concerns, teens also believe adults can play a supportive role in helping them navigate AI responsibly. Understanding AI Risks Aura is studying the safety measures and risks of generative AI apps to help parents understand how to monitor them wisely. Some AI tools are safer than others, so itâs important to know which ones need extra caution. Aura has created the following categories to help parents and teens make informed choices about AI use: High-risk AI â Includes chatbots and deepfakes that could lead to emotional dependency, misinformation, online exploitation, or grooming. Moderate-risk AI â Includes learning tools that could pose ethical concerns, such as AI-generated homework assistance, or be misused if safeguards are bypassed. Low-risk AI â Includes creativity and problem-solving tools that help with education when used responsibly. By understanding these levels, parents can guide their children toward AI tools that are both safe and beneficial. Helping Your Teen Navigate AI Safely AI is advancing quickly, which means risks like misinformation, bias, and ethical concerns are always evolving. But just as we teach kids to stop, look, and think before crossing the street, we can teach them to pause, question, and verify when using AI. You donât need to have all the answersâjust starting the conversation is a great first step. Here are some practical ways to talk to your child about AI: Foster Open Conversations â Ask your child about their experiences with AI and encourage critical thinking about AI-generated content. If theyâre using a new AI tool, ask why they like it and how they use it. Trying AI tools yourself can also help you understand their digital world and make these conversations easier. Encourage Responsible AI Use â Teach your child that AI is a tool for learning and creativity, but they should be mindful of ethics and privacy. Remind them that AI-generated content can sound human but isnât always accurate. Just like talking to a friend, AI doesnât know everythingâencourage them to question and fact-check before trusting AI-generated information. Educate About AIâs Risks â Explain how AI algorithms work and discuss the risks of misinformation and manipulation. AI doesnât âknowâ factsâit predicts answers based on data, which means it can be wrong or biased. Also, make them aware that some AI tools collect personal data and that people can use AI to manipulate or deceive others online. Empower Critical Thinking â Teach your child to question AI-generated content by asking, Is this true? Where does this information come from? Teaching them to question AI-generated content helps them develop a healthy skepticism and navigate AI responsibly. Set Digital Boundaries â Use parental controls when needed and monitor AI-related app usage. Setting limits may be difficultâespecially with teensâbut remind them that these boundaries arenât punishments. They are temporary safeguards to help them build the skills they need to use AI responsibly. Gen AI Algorithms Algorithms can be difficult to understand. Since the AI learns initially by âreadingâ a lot of information, the risk is that it may not have all of the necessary information which leads to misinformation. Here is a brief description of how the algorithms work at a high level: Learning from Information â AI reads and remembers tons of books, websites, and conversations. Recognizing Patterns â It notices which words and ideas go together. Guessing the Next Word â Instead of thinking, it predicts what words should come next, like a super-fast guessing game. Getting Smarter Over Time â AI improves as it gets more data, but it still doesnât understand things like a person does. Although AI can be mistaken as a human in a conversation (especially by kids), it is a really smart computer program that learns by looking at tons of information and recognizing patterns. Youâre Already Doing Enough You donât need to be an AI expert! What matters most is staying curious, open, and involved in your childâs digital world. By learning together, youâre helping them develop the skills to use AI safely, think critically, and make responsible choices online. Since AI regulations are still developing, several organizations provide resources for parents. Check out these websites for more tips on guiding your childâs AI use: Common Sense Media (DigitalParenthood partner!) Child Rescue Coalition Unicef Hope Lab
The Ultimate Digital Parenthood Gift Guide
A note from Aura's Chief Medical Officer, DrScott As a parent, I love my kids more than anything. And I know you do, too. But I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard to be a parent sometimes! I think that's a pretty universal feeling around the world and even through time. If I had a way to transport myself back to the middle ages, I bet I'd find some parents to commiserate with (even though our parenting challenges would certainly be different!) This decade might be the hardest time ever to be a parent, though. According to an advisory issued by the Surgeon General , a whopping 48% of parents say that most days their stress is completely overwhelming (compared to 26% among other adults.) There's so much to worry about: online safety, offline safety, health, balancing remote school and remote workâŠthe list goes on. And it gets even more difficult during the holidays! It feels like kids are talking about new tech every five minutes these daysâand revising their gift lists just as fast. Heck, there's even an AI Santa Claus that can have a conversation with your kids. (Is that even safe? We're still trying to decide!) So we, in collaboration with several of our DigitalParenthood experts, wanted to do whatever we could to make your holiday season easier. As a parent, you need community, support, and resources to help you create safe online and offline environments for your kids. This gift guide serves as the latterâand our community of supportive parents and experts is always open to you at DigitalParenthood.com. Wishing you a happy, peaceful holiday season. Download your copy below âŹïžNavigating AI Companion Apps: A Parent's Guide
Today's AI chatbots have come a long way from simple question-and-answer programs. These advanced systems can now generate conversations that feel remarkably like real relationships. Many are even marketed as "virtual friends" or "AI girlfriends/boyfriends," and they're becoming increasingly popular with young people. As this technology becomes part of our digital landscape, youâll want to know how to help your children to navigate it safely. What Are AI Companions? Think of them as super-sophisticated chatbots, using text or voice to simulate conversation and foster emotional connection. They are able to mimic human interaction in ways that feel personal and realistic, creating an illusion of friendship or understanding. They can talk about almost any topic, are highly engaging, and unlike generic chatbots they are designed specifically to replicate friendship or intimate relationships. Why Are Young People Drawn to These Apps? There are a number of reasons why AI companions may be popular among young users: Judgment-free: They can ask questions, express thoughts and explore curiosities without fear of being judged, criticized or embarrassed. Escape from social pressure: They may get relief from the social comparison that can characterize their human relationships, especially on social media. For example, trying to maintain a certain image or âfit inâ. Emotional support on demand: They can get answers to their questions anytime they want as AI companions are available 24/7. This is instant access if they are feeling down, want someone to talk to or are simply curious about something. Customizable experience: Some AI companions can be customized to match their interests and communication style, making them particularly appealing. Creativity and exploration: They may also use them as a space to explore ideas or as a low pressure way to practice conversations to build social confidence without fear of rejection from others. Young people may also be naturally drawn to experimenting with new technology, and AI companions are an easy way to do this. What Should Parents Be Concerned About? Despite the benefits, these apps are controversial with Common Sense Media going as far to say that they should not be used by minors. Many apps claim they are for adults (17+ years) but often lack effective age verification, allowing young people to use them. Here are some of the risks to be aware of: Inappropriate content: Content can be age-inappropriate, and advice may be inaccurate or even harmful. Many AI companions have weak or easily bypassed filters which means users can also access explicit sexual, violent or even illegal content. Emotional dependency: Some people may become reliant on AI validation, potentially withdrawing from real-life friendships which can be more challenging. Conversations are also so life-like that it is easy to forget you are chatting with AI. Unhealthy relationship models: The AI may create unrealistic expectations, by always agreeing with users without setting boundaries. This illusion of a "perfect friend" risks normalizing inappropriate dynamics and undermining the development of healthy, consenting and respectful relationships. Exacerbating mental health issues: When users express negative thoughts or harmful perspectives, the AI companion often validates these views rather than providing constructive challenge or guidance toward healthier alternatives. This can make how someone feels worse. Privacy vulnerabilities: Like other online interactions, personal information and conversations can be stored and used in ways your child may not expect. What Can Parents Do? Talk To Your Kids About AI Companions Start with genuine curiosity, not judgement. If children feel theyâre being criticized for their digital relationship theyâll likely become defensive and close down. So try to open up conversations with something curious like âIâm interested in these AI companions, whatâs your experience been like?â. You might want to ask them what apps they use, what they like about the interactions, or what interesting conversations theyâve had. Create safety guidelines together. Donât avoid talking about the risks as itâs important children are made aware of them, but do this in a collaborative way. You could share age-appropriate articles to spark discussion or share your concerns and suggest agreeing on some guardrails together. For example, not sharing identifiable information online, avoiding certain apps, and coming to you with anything confusing or concerning. It could be helpful for you to become familiar with some of the most popular companion apps to better understand their content and any security features. Develop critical thinking. You want to encourage critical thinking so they can also evaluate the safety of the apps they are using themselves. You could review AI responses with your child, asking âwhy might it say thisâ or âhow might a person respond differentlyâ. Teach them to question what theyâre told, for example âhow does the AI know thisâ or âwhat perspective is it missing?â. Balance Virtual and Real-World Connections Help them understand the limitations of an AI relationship. Talk about the differences between AI and human connection. For example the AI may offer comfort but lacks true understanding or genuine concern. AI is also more likely to agree with you than show you an alternative perspective. Actively strengthen real-world connections. Support your child to maintain and strengthen in-person connections. Encourage social activities with friends, plan regular family time without devices (including your own!) and model healthy relationships you build in your own life. Explore alternative coping strategies. Help your child to understand their own patterns. For example, if theyâre using the companion when theyâve had a tough day, are there any other strategies they could use to help them? Keep Communication Open Monitor your reactions. These new technologies may be worrisome, but if your child shares something with you try to avoid immediate negative reactions as this could discourage further openness. Try to create a safe space where they can share concerns and you can work through solutions together. Final Thoughts AI companions require guidance to ensure healthy use. By helping your children understand the reality behind these technologies, you empower them to engage with AI appropriately while maintaining meaningful human relationships. Remember that your real-world connection with your child is the most powerful protective factor. By maintaining open, non-judgmental communication about technology, you help them develop the critical thinking skills they'll need to navigate not just today's AI companions, but whatever new technologies emerge in their future. This article was created in partnership with Kate Daley. Further reading Hollanek, T., & Sobey, A. (2025). AI Companions for Health and Mental Wellbeing: Opportunities, Risks and Policy Implications. Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence. https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.115939 Malfacini, K. The impacts of companion AI on human relationships: risks, benefits, and design considerations. AI & Soc (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-025-02318-6 Pratt N, Madhavan R, Weleff J. Digital DialogueâHow Youth Are Interacting With Chatbots. JAMA Pediatr. 2024;178(5):429â430. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0084. https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/privacynotincluded/articles/happy-valentines-day-romantic-ai-chatbots-dont-have-your-privacy-at-heart/ https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/meta-ai-chatbots-sex-a25311bf?st=5Q9cWi&How safe is Roblox for kids? â An update to keep you in the know
TL;DR A majority of kids and teens today are using Roblox â an online gaming platform where users can play games, build games, and interact with other users Roblox doesnât collect identifying information because it was created for kids, but predators can use this anonymity to their advantage The Roblox universe runs on Robux â a currency that can be purchased by adults to entice or bribe kids on the platform Roblox comes with risks, but there are updated safety features you can use, such as restricting direct chat with other users or setting Robux spending limits Read our previous blog about Roblox here What Is Roblox Anyway? Roblox has over 77 million daily active users, 32 million of whom are under age 13 (Bloomberg, 2024). The platform was initially created as a place for kids to be creative and learn how to build their own games online, and now there are millions of games in the universe. Because it was originally made for kids, Roblox collects very little information from users. Many older teens and adults use Roblox now too. Unfortunately, some users leverage anonymity to their advantage posing risks for kids on Roblox. The sheer size of Roblox, number of users, and potential risks may feel overwhelming for parents to navigate, which is why weâre here to help! The good news is, you don't need to be a tech wizard to make Roblox a safer space for your kid or teen. You already have the most important tools â your engagement and curiosity as a parent. This isn't about banning fun or hovering constantly; it's about understanding the environment and using the available tools (both on and off the platform) to guide your child confidently. Think of it as teaching them playground rules, but for the digital age. Decoding Robux: It's Not Monopoly Money If youâre a parent of a kid as young as age 6 and even into their later teen years, chances are you know what Robux are. Many kids and teens ask their parents for Robux for their allowance or as a reward for good behavior. If youâre not familiar, Robux are the virtual currency of the Roblox gaming world. Kids are excited by Robux, or rather what Robux can be used forâ Robux can be used to customize avatars by buying clothes and accessories, for in-game experiences like skipping levels or access to VIP games, or even shopping at virtual stores like Walmart and Starbucks. But, Robux isnât simply âfake moneyâ because it can be purchased and exchanged for real-world money. Free Robux? A Red Flag! Like any other currency, Robux can be stolen or used to gamble and bribe other users. Bloomberg media put out an investigative piece on Roblox where they shared several examples of adults taking advantage of kids on Roblox. Robux were used to entice underage gamers as a grooming tactic in exchange for sexual acts in games, child porn, or inappropriate interactions in real life. Similarly, a report from More Perfect Union interviewing kids who engage in game development on Roblox, revealed instances of financial and child labor exploitation. Curious to know more? You can explore the Bloomberg documentary and the companion article. Updated Roblox Safety Features New Safety Features on Roblox and How You Can Make the Best Use of Them You can now take steps to deploy new safety features. In November 2024, Roblox introduced some new safeguards. Overall, age limits have been put into place for specific content. You, as a parent, can create a Roblox account linked to your childâs, employ monthly spending limits, and use additional safety features to help guide which experiences you are comfortable with your child accessing. How to make the most use of Robloxâs new safety tools Kids are going to use Roblox. Rather than placing harsh limits or banning Roblox altogether, we want to help you keep your child safe, healthy, and happy as they engage online. Here is a quick summary of the new Roblox safety features and how to access them. Limit Chat using Communication Controls: Chats increase the likelihood of your child interacting with strangers or more mature users. Limiting chat features can reduce the chance of risky interactions. You can: Disable experience chat: Select "No one" to set who your child can message with inside experiences. Restrict experience direct chat: Select âNo oneâ to limit who your child can message 1:1 in experiences. Platform Chat, where users can chat with other users outside of experiences, is an exception and cannot be restricted for users over 13 More information on limiting chat features on Roblox can be found here under Communication Controls Keep Robux in check with Spending Controls: You can place monthly spending limits on your childâs account for Robux and other Roblox subscriptions. How to Set Spending Limits - from Roblox Create your own Roblox account and link it to your childâs: Creating your own account allows you to manage your childâs account without needing to login to their account. Linking instructions from Roblox Limits under age 13: Users under 13 now have some limits on Roblox Children under 13 years old can no longer directly message (âPlatform Chatâ) other users on Roblox outside of games or experiences. This change mitigates some risk of those under 13 interacting with strangers, older teens, or adults who may share inappropriate content on the Roblox platform. Those under age 13 also canât send direct messages to other users within games, but can send âpublic broadcastsâ within the game. Some experiences are age-gated based on content maturity. Content Maturity Labels: These can help guide your understanding of what content your child may encounter in experiences and games. You can also set maturity controls for your child. Kids under age 9 can only access âMinimalâ or âMildâ forms of content Check out the descriptions from Roblox below (https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/8862768451604-Content-Maturity-Labels) How to set maturity controls - from Roblox Content Maturity Label Description Minimal May contain occasional mild violence, light unrealistic blood, and/or occasional mild fear. Mild May contain repeated mild violence, heavy unrealistic blood, mild crude humor, and/or repeated mild fear. Moderate May contain moderate violence, light realistic blood, moderate crude humor, unplayable gambling content, and/or moderate fear. Restricted May contain strong violence, heavy realistic blood, moderate crude humor, romantic themes, unplayable gambling content, the presence of alcohol, strong language, and/or moderate fear. These experiences are only available to 17+ users who verified their ages by completing ID verification. Use Roblox as an opportunity to connect with your child or teen Be Curious, Not Accusatory: Ask open-ended questions about their Roblox time. "What games did you play today?" "What was the coolest thing you built?" "Did you play with any friends?" "Did anything weird or uncomfortable happen?" Talk About "Stranger Danger" Online: Explain that online "friends" are still strangers. Emphasize never sharing personal information like their real name, school, address, phone number, or passwords. Discuss In-Game Purchases: Help them understand that Robux cost real money. If they use Robux, talk about budgeting and responsible spending. Create a Team Mentality: Frame safety discussions as working together. "Let's figure out how to make Roblox fun and safe for you." Teach Digital Citizenship Skills Although Roblox has made some safety updates, there are still risks with using Roblox, such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content with violent or sexual themes. You can equip your child with the knowledge to handle tricky situations themselves. Blocking and Reporting: Show them how to block users who make them feel uncomfortable and how to report inappropriate behavior or games directly within Roblox. Let them know it's okay â and important â to use these tools. Recognizing Scams: Talk about common scams (like fake "free Robux" offers) and why they shouldn't click suspicious links or give away account information. Taking Breaks: Encourage healthy screen time habits. Set limits for Roblox play, just like you would for screentime generally, TV, or other activities. We want you to feel empowered in your digital parenthood to raise a well-informed digital citizen so that your child is better able to engage in online gaming and interactions more safely with eyes open. This article was created in partnership with Bayley Taple. References https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6PYj93SGxc https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/categories/200213830-Parents-Safety-and-Moderation10 warning signs of cyberbullying (and what to do)
How do you know if your child is being bullied online? Itâs a tough stat to see, but nearly 70% of students in the U.S. say they see signs of cyberbullying quite often[*]. So, how are you supposed to pick up on the same warning signs theyâre seeing? An even harder stat to swallow: in 2020, about five million kids between the ages of 10 and 18 were cyberbullied in the United States [*]. Unfortunately, cyberbullying often goes unreported and unnoticed by adults. Worst of all, sometimes, even when victims go to parents or teachers for help, the bullying doesnât stop. In one devastating case last year, a 10-year-old student took her own life after being continually bulliedâeven after her parents tried to get her school to intervene [*]. For kids growing up in a digital world, cyberbullying is a tragic reality. As parents, itâs crucial we learn to identify signs of cyberbullying early onâand know when and how to intervene. In this guide, we will explain how cyberbullying happens and review the red flags to watch out for so that you can keep your children safe online. How does cyberbullying happen? To put it simply, cyberbullying is essentially any type of bullying that happens on any digital mediumâtext messages, emails, social media, or online games. Bullies are looking to torment, intimidate, and humiliate their victims by sending or sharing harmful content. While we know itâs tough to see these statistics, the scary truth is that cyberbullying has hit record high numbers in recent yearsâwith 79% of children on YouTube, 69% of kids on Snapchat, and 64% of kids on TikTok likely to be cyberbullied [*]. Here are a few tactics that cyberbullies may use: Fake profiles: A perpetrator creates fake profiles, pretending to be a friend. They establish trust, making your kid think itâs okay to share personal information. The bully uses it against them to shame and harass the victim. Sockpuppets: Not what youâre thinking, but close. Cyberbullies use a victim's photos and information to create a fake identity, pretending to be them and posting mean content and images, ruining their victimâs online reputation. Doxing: Cyberbullies search for a victim's personally identifiable information (PII) and publish it online. For instance, a bully could share their victimâs address and social media links, encouraging others to send harmful content or visit the victimâs home. Encouraging self-harm: Cyberbullies can harass people on social media and gaming platforms, encouraging victims to harm themselves⊠or worse. Leaking sensitive photos or messages: Youâve probably heard of young couples âsextingâ or sharing explicit or sensitive photos through apps like Snapchat. Cyberbullies take these photos and messages and share them online, leading to even more harassment of the victims. Spreading lies: More vulnerable targets are blamed for things they didnât do at school. Bullies make these accusations, persuading even more people to turn against the victim. Gamer bullying: In gaming, âgriefingâ refers to players sabotaging another playerâs gameplay. For example, cyberbullies might steal virtual belongings or lead a campaign of harassment during in-game chats. More often than not, cyberbullies use anonymous profiles, which makes them harder to track, making things even more miserable for victims as the bullying campaign continues. In the news: Michelle Carter sent over 1,000 texts to her boyfriend, encouraging him to follow through on his plans to commit suicideâmany of them coming right up to his final moments. Carter spent 11 months in federal prison when she was just 18 years old. [*]. 10 signs that may indicate your child is being cyberbullied. Using their device more (or less) Acting overly emotional after using a device Deleting their social media accounts Not wanting to attend social events Showing drastic changes in their mood Complaining to get out of going to school Becoming nervous when receiving a text Having difficulty sleeping Talking about self-harm Losing interest in hobbies Catching on to the warning signs of cyberbullying can be tough. Kids will hide their devices or avoid talking about it altogether because theyâre afraid you might intervene (which only worsens the bullying). As a parent, itâs good practice to be aware of these warning signs that your kid might be experiencing cyberbullying. 1. Using their devices significantly more (or less). Itâs no secret that screen time is only going up for kids of all ages. On average, kids between the ages of 8 and 12 use screens for about 5.5 hours a day, while kids between the ages of 13 and 18 use devices for nearly 8.5 hours each day. While more screen time can make it harder to keep track of all your kids' online activities, it can also help you keep an eye on whether or not theyâre being bullied. Be on the lookout for: sudden changes to your childâs screen time. A shift in your childâs online activity or device usage can be a clear sign of cyberbullying. Less time online might be them trying to avoid being bullied. More time online could mean theyâre combatting bullies. 2. Acting upset or overly emotional after using a device. Bullying is all about power and control. Perpetrators look for vulnerable people to prey onâespecially if the bully sees them as weak and helpless. This dynamic causes victims to deal with the constant feeling of shame or humiliation. Keep an eye on how your children act duringâand especially afterâthey use their devices. Are they upset? Do they seem confused, scared, or overwhelmed? One 17-year-old victim of cyberbullying recalls being so upset that she threw her phone against the wallâsmashing it to pieces [*]. Sound familiar? It might be cyberbullying. Be on the lookout for: extreme anger or frustration after using a device. If your children ever get angry enough to slam a laptop or throw their cell phones, this could be a major red flag that theyâre dealing with cyberbullying. 3. Deleting their social media accounts or opening new ones. When a child is dealing with a tough situation, their natural instinct may be to try and escape. Even as a parent, you might feel it best to suggest that your child stop using certain social media platforms where the bullying is happening. However, that approach rarely solves the problem since the bully in question might also be at school. Be on the lookout for: deleting social media accounts or starting new ones. If you notice your kid has deleted certain online accounts only to open new ones with different names, itâs a good idea to ask why. There might be an issue theyâre trying to get away from, and a new account is their temporary solutionâalthough we can tell you itâs not an effective or long-term one. Millie Bobby Brown rose to stardom before she was a teenager. But the Stranger Things actress also dealt with cyberbullying for years. When she removed all social media apps from her phone, things got much easier to handle, but she still avoids managing her accounts when possible[*]. 4. Becoming withdrawn and not wanting to attend social events. While mood swings are pretty common for teens and pre-teens, a drastic change in their attitude or desire to be social can be a major sign of cyberbullying. In one tragic case, 15-year-old Nate Bronstein was cyberbullied relentlessly after transferring to a top-ranked private school [*]. Nateâs mother, Rose, noticed her son becoming withdrawn and angry but didnât know the full story. After months of being bullied by school students and teachers, Nate took his own life. His parents are now suing the school, some staff, and the parents of Nateâs alleged abusers. Be on the lookout for: spending an excessive amount of time alone. Maybe your son or daughter wants to hide out in their room, or maybe they refuse to spend time with the family or go out with friends. This withdrawn behavior could be an attempt to get away from bullies and not just the typical teenage tantrum. 5. Showing drastic changes in their mood and emotions. While some signs of cyberbullying can be harder to spot, ongoing intimidation and oppression from a bully will become obvious sooner than later. From mood swings and emotional outbursts to signs of depression, children may show clues to their situation and how it's affecting their mental health. The parent of a 16-year-old boy explained how their son was cyberbullied on Facebook for eight hours. The relentless assault triggered an acute psychotic break, leading the boy to an adolescent psychiatric ward for nearly a month [*]. Be on the lookout for: signs of mental health issues brought on by cyberbullying. This could include: Increased depression and anxiety A lack of interest in hobbies or activities Sudden outbursts of anger or extreme irritability Persistent sadness that lasts two weeks or longer Difficulty with sleeping Finding it hard to concentrate 6. Complaining about physical symptoms to get out of going to school. A poll by UNICEF found that one in five children has missed school because of cyberbullying. When your child pretends to be sick in order to miss school, it could be a genuine physical reaction brought on by stressâor it could be that theyâre trying to escape or avoid bullies. Either way, itâs important to take these complaints seriously. As the mother of one victim of cyberbullying explained [*]: For kids growing up in a digital world, cyberbullying is a tragic reality. As parents, itâs crucial we learn to identify signs of cyberbullying early onâand know when and how to intervene. Be on the lookout for: unexplained and prolonged physical pain. Pay close attention if your child is experiencing sudden or prolonged physical pain or illness that canât otherwise be diagnosed, the most common complaints being headaches or stomach pain. 7. Becoming nervous or jumpy when receiving a text, email, or message. Is your child on edge every time their phone beeps or vibrates? This type of anxious behavior, whenever a smartphone notification appears, isn't something you should take lightly. Itâs one of the most prominent warning signs of cyberbullying. This response comes from a child who has become conditioned to expect something bad (from a bully) every time they get a message on their phone or computer. Be on the lookout for: hiding devices when youâre around. Young victims of cyberbullying might hide their phones or tablets or turn off their computer screens when parents are in the same room. Carol Todd stood before a court to explain how her teenage daughter, Amanda, became anxious and frightened with every new message she received. A 43-year-old man orchestrated a years-long campaign of cyberbullying, threats, and extortion against the teenagerâfollowing her online even as she changed schools [*]. 8. Having difficulty sleeping or feeling sleepy during the day. Around 63% of victims experiencing cyberbullying say that a lack of sleep is the most significant psychological impact of cyberbullying [*]. Facing bullies online and offline can lead to stress that keeps your kid from getting a good nightâs sleep, leading to fatigue during the school day. Be on the lookout for: unusual sleeping patterns. Is your kid falling asleep at school? Oversleeping in the mornings? Again, this might be more than your typical teenage behavior. Some victims have even regressed to wetting the bed after persistent bullying. 9. Talking about self-harm. While some signs of cyberbullying could be played down as the natural changes that happen during adolescence, others shouldnât be taken so lightly. The tragic truth is that cyberbullying victims are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide.[*] Be on the lookout for: signs of depression or thoughts of self-harm. Left unchecked, depression could lead to suicidal thoughts and self-harm. Jaylen White endured cyberbullying for ten months. The 12-year-old could not escape his tormentors, even as he changed schools and switched to remote learning. As the bullies hacked Jaylen's Netflix and PlayStation accounts to deliver threatening messages, the 12-year-old began talking about taking his own life. Thankfully, the bullying stopped when the perpetrator was caught in the act by his mother [*]. 10. Losing interest in hobbies they used to enjoy. Kids donât always stick with their hobbies. But if bullies have ever teased them about their hobbies or intimidated them in any way to make them feel unwelcome on the football field or at other events, victims might withdraw from their friend groups and avoid social settings altogether. Be on the lookout for: suddenly losing interest in things they once loved. If your child suddenly stops playing sports or loses interest in a hobby theyâre usually excited about, itâs worth chatting with them in case something else is going on. One young girl explained on an online forum that she is constantly bullied for her hobbies, which makes her âwant to throw those hobbies away because it has been happening ever since I started posting my work on the internet.â [*] Was your child a victim? Most of the time, kids are scared to come forward about this issue because their bullies have threatened to make things worse if adults get involved. Instead, itâs often up to you (the parent) to recognize the problem and step in to support your child before the effects of cyberbullying go too far. Almost 90% of teenage cyberbullying victims don't tell their parents or trusted adults (including teachers) about the abuse. Here are nine steps you can take if your child is being bullied online: Make your child feel safe. Victims of bullying feel lonely and powerless. Show that youâre listening without judgmentâthat youâre there for unconditional support. This simple act can give your kid the confidence that a solution will be found. Let your child do the talking. Before taking any action, you need to get the full picture. Encourage your child to explain everything in detail using their own words. Itâs important to stay calm and reassure your child that you are on their side. Collect evidence. You can squash the harassment more easily when you can prove the details of the abuse to the school or authorities. Collect screenshots of instant messaging conversations, text messages, images, videos, and supporting notes about any bullying incidents. Block the bullies. Go through your childâs accounts (social media, text, email, gaming, etc.) together to identify and block any profiles that have added to the issue. If necessary, your children can delete all their accounts and open new accounts with strong privacy settings. Report the bullies to the platforms. If the bullying continues despite opening new accounts, make an official report to the platform itself (Facebook, Discord, TikTok, etc.). Provide full details of the profiles and suspects so that the platform can ban them. This is where those screenshots come in handy. Collaborate with the school. Your child needs to feel safe at school. Set up a meeting with key figures, like the principal and your child's head teacher, to discuss the bullying. You can present all of your evidence to help them in their internal investigation. Seek counseling. Many children may struggle to share details of the problem with their parents. Speaking with a counselor helps victims open up to an objective third party. Positive refocus. Encourage your kids to continue doing what makes them happy, whether thatâs pursuing their favorite hobbies or playing music or sports. Planning regular family events is another good way to show your kids how they can enjoy life away from the internet. Go on a camping trip, have a family games night, or try an arts and crafts project together. Contact the police. If the bullying continues or gets to the level of physical threats or attacks on your child or property, donât hesitate to involve the police. While state laws vary for online threats, you can always turn to county sheriffs or state police if your local law enforcement officers donât take action. The bottom line: keep your kids safe from cyberbullies. In todayâs digital age, online bullying is a growing problemâespecially for young people who spend so much time on their devices, social media, and gaming platforms. Knowing how to spot the signs of cyberbullying can help protect your kids, give them the support they need if they become targets, and take action to make their worlds safer online and IRL.What's Keeping Me Up: The Roblox Reportđ„
Hey all, Dr. Scott here! The media was abuzz this week with the news of a report released by short-selling investigative firm Hindenburg Research. The report claims that Roblox is a "pedophile hellscape for kids." As the father of two gamers, this concerns me, so I sat down with them to get their thoughts. Hear what we have to say at the video below, and sound off in the comments on what you think of the latest report. Will this change any rules you have with your kids as it relates to time spent on Roblox?
Whatâs Keeping Me Up: Sextortion
The Scoop: Sextortion is a disturbing phenomenon that has escalated in the digital age, impacting countless young lives. It involves coercing individuals, often children, into providing explicit images or engaging in other sexual activities online, and then threatening exposure. Predators prey on the vulnerabilities of young people, using their fears and insecurities to manipulate them into compliance. According to the FBI, reports of financially motivated sextortion involving minors increased at least 20% from October 2022 to March 2023. The Big Picture: Itâs not always a creepy online stranger upfrontâoften, these predators pose as friendly peers who just want to chat. As both a clinician and a father, the growing prevalence of this form of exploitation deeply troubles me. The science behind sextortion reveals a complex interplay of psychological manipulation and digital threats. Studies show that victims often experience severe emotional and psychological distress, which can have lasting effects on their mental health. Unfortunately, there are no foolproof ways to completely avoid becoming a target. Even if a teen refuses to send explicit images, predators can steal photos from social media and create fake explicit content with new technologies, like deepfakes, to use as leverage. My Advice: Have open and frequent conversations with your children about online safety from the moment they start using the internet. This should include age-appropriate discussions about sextortion. It's important to approach these talks without shame or judgment, focusing instead on educating your child about the risks of online interactions and image-sharing. âThe Talkâ once centered around physical health, consent and relationships. Today, it also encompasses issues related to digital interactions, like sexting, online privacy, and the risks of exploitation and manipulation. Donât wait to have it. If you or someone you know is being sexually exploited online, report it to the CyberTipline operated by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, or contact them directly at contactgethelp@ncmec.org or 1-800-THE-LOST. For international assistance, use the InHope hotline directory to find your local hotline.Understanding the Impact of Influencers on Young MindsđĄ
Social media has drastically transformed the way many of us communicate, express ourselves, and receive information. A majority of todayâs teens take in content daily from popular platforms like TikTok, YouTube, SnapChat, and Instagram, so itâs important to get a better understanding of how they are being impacted by digital influencers. Influencers are people who have a large following on social media platforms and are effectively influencing, for better or worse, the opinions and behaviors of their followers. They can be seen as trendsetters with aspirational lifestyles who have an effect on everything from what a young person buys to the way they talk. As youâre probably aware, influencers often present a perfectly curated version of their lives, which can lead to unhealthy comparisons for young people. And while influencers can have a positive impact on their followers, promoting messages like mental health support or body positivity, it can be helpful to take a look at the power they hold in the eyes of our kids and teens. Talking to your teen about influencers... By opening up the conversation surrounding social media influencers and their content with your child or teen, youâll be helping them to absorb information more critically so that theyâre better equipped to notice how it may be impacting their emotions and actions. Here are some tips to help you get started: Initiate the conversation. Check in with your child or teen about their relationship with social media. Ask how it makes them feel, what they enjoy most about it, and what they are finding challenging. Put away distractions so that youâre fully present for the conversation and help them to feel heard by repeating back what theyâve said. Take their experience seriously and try to understand what is going on from their perspective without attempting to jump right in and fix it. Navigating social media can be difficult for all of us, so let them know that theyâre not alone in any struggles theyâre experiencing and that they can always come and talk to you about their digital life. Discuss real life versus social media content. Take time to talk to your child about how influencers often present an altered version of reality online that does not include the real, messy aspects of life. They are also often paid to promote products, so their content may be influenced by sponsors. Influencers can also encourage unrealistic beauty standards thanks to filters, as well as materialism by urging followers to buy products that they endorse. Take time to scroll through social media with your child and point out what aspects do and do not reflect reality so that they can begin to do the same. Discuss unhelpful thoughts. Encourage your teen to begin to notice their thoughts as they scroll social media. Ask them if that voice inside of their head sometimes says critical things like, âI wish I looked like thatâ or âIâll never be able to afford clothes as nice as theirs.â Itâs completely normal to compare ourselves to others, especially when their lives look perfect online, but these thoughts can be painful to experience. Once theyâre able to notice these unhelpful thoughts, teach your teen to try flipping them into more helpful thoughts like, âI love the way I dressâ or âI know that this stuff isnât real, and I like the way that I look.â It may feel forced at first, but simply noticing and negating unhelpful self-talk is a powerful way to help them feel their best. Clean up the feed together. Encourage your child to clean out the clutter from their social media feeds, just like theyâd clean out their closet. Take notice of what accounts and content are bringing them joy or inspiring them, and which ones are causing them to feel like theyâre not measuring up. Could they follow more accounts that focus on something they love, like art or nature? You can sit with them while they unfollow, block, or mute any content that is no longer making them feel their best. And you can even spring clean your feed right along with them to set a positive example and bring more mindfulness into your own digital world. Take tech breaks. Social media platforms are designed to keep us scrolling so itâs easy for young people to spend hours online each day. Create limits surrounding devices and set screen-free times and zones both inside and outside of your home. Encourage your child to prioritize real-life activities and connections with others. You can even come up with a list of tech-free activities that the entire family can turn to. Social media can be an excellent way for young people to connect with others, but it can also have a negative impact on the way that they feel. Be sure to check-in regularly with your child about their digital experiences and continue to open up conversations surrounding influencers, unhelpful thinking, and how they can access support. If you could use some help in navigating tech as a family, consider reaching out to a mental health professional.
