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Protecting your child from online predators: A parent’s guide to social media safety

On Behalf of | Jan 31, 2025 | Childhood Sex Abuse |

The digital landscape has transformed how children interact, learn and socialize in today’s world. Social media platforms continue to evolve, creating new opportunities for predators to target vulnerable young users.

Parents across New Jersey are growing more and more alarmed about their children’s online safety, particularly on popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Your involvement in monitoring online activities can make the difference in protecting your child from digital dangers.

Warning signs of online grooming

Many parents struggle to identify when their child faces online risks. Watch for these concerning behaviors that might indicate potential grooming:

  • Secretive phone use: Your child quickly changes screens or becomes defensive when you approach
  • Unexpected gifts: Online predators often send money or presents to gain trust
  • Emotional changes: Your child appears anxious, withdrawn or upset after using devices
  • Unknown adults: New “friends” appear in their social media connections
  • Late-night activity: Your child stays online during unusual hours

These warning signs indicate that there may be something sinister going on. Immediate attention and open conversation with your child can help you with this situation.

Empowering your child

Taking action now helps create safer online experiences while building trust with your child. Consider these protective measures that combine monitoring with education:

  • Open dialogue: Create regular conversations about online experiences and encourage your child to share concerns without fear of judgment
  • Digital literacy education: Teach your child how to recognize suspicious behavior and understand why certain online actions might be dangerous
  • Privacy awareness: Show your child how to set and maintain strong privacy settings on their accounts, explaining the importance of each setting
  • Family safety rules: Work together to create internet safety guidelines that your child helps develop and understand
  • Critical thinking skills: Help your child learn to question suspicious online interactions and trust their instincts about uncomfortable situations

Building trust through education can be more effective than strict monitoring alone. When children understand the “why” behind safety measures, they become more likely to make smart online choices on their own.