Defend Young Minds

📱 Struggling with how to let your child connect with friends without the risks of a smartphone? You’re not alone. In our latest article, "Navigating the Smartphone Decision," a family found a balanced solution with a Bark phone as a shared “home phone”—allowing social connection without the risks of personal smartphone ownership. Visit https://bit.ly/4hswvTD to read more about how they keep connection safe and stress-free! Wondering if your child is ready for their own smartphone? Check out our FREE guide, Is My Child Ready for a Smartphone? https://bit.ly/3CJG2ki #defendyoungminds #protectyoungminds #socialmedia #technology #screentime #internetsafety #digitalsafety #parentalcontrols #digitaldangers #screentimelimits #onlinesafety #barktechnologies #barkphone

🚨 NEW research from Hindenburg confirms what we’ve been warning parents about for years: Roblox is not as safe as it appears. Despite Roblox’s kid-friendly reputation, this report reveals shocking levels of explicit material and predatory risks on the platform that endanger young users. 👉Full report: https://lnkd.in/djX4gQMp 👉What parents need to know about Roblox + tips for safe play: https://bit.ly/3iyRyH4 Don’t wait until it’s too late—stay informed and keep kids safe. #defendyoungminds #protectyoungminds #socialmedia #technology #screentime #internetsafety #digitalsafety #parentalcontrols #digitaldangers #screentimelimits #onlinesafety #roblox #hidenburgresearch #videogames

🚨 Behind the fun dance videos and viral challenges, TikTok is hiding some serious risks. From virtual strip clubs to addictive algorithms and harmful beauty filters, the dangers are real, leaving many parents asking, "Is TikTok safe for kids?" Several investigations and lawsuits reveal that TikTok’s inner workings prioritize profits over the safety of young users. ❗But parents aren’t powerless. With the right tools and strategies, you can protect your family from the grip of harmful platforms like TikTok. See https://bit.ly/4e3naP6 for our latest article with 5 shocking TikTok features parents should know about + safety tips. You can’t control TikTok’s design, but you can control how your family engages with it. #defendyoungminds #tiktok

⚠️ A tragic incident in Florida has brought attention to the risks of AI chatbots: A 14-year-old boy took his life earlier this year after forming an emotional, romantic connection with an AI chatbot mimicking a sexualized Game of Thrones character. The mother has since filed a lawsuit against the platform, Character. AI. Full story via New York Post: https://bit.ly/3A4r64i Platforms like Character. AI allow users to create and engage with AI bots that blur the line between reality and fantasy, putting vulnerable kids at risk. Even chatbots that seem friendly or helpful can expose children to mature themes or unhealthy ideas. What can parents do? ⤵️ ✔️ Understand the apps and platforms your kids are using. Use parental controls and monitoring software to track online activity. ✔️ Limit access to AI apps and websites. Routers like Gryphon Online Safety, Inc. or NETGEAR can help by setting time limits for specific sites, or to block them altogether. ✔️ Educate your kids on how AI works and why it can't replace real relationships. ✔️ Encourage face-to-face interactions that build social skills and lead to real and lasting connections. ✔️ Explain the importance of never sharing personal information with AI tools or chatbots. ✔️ Keep discussing the benefits and risks of AI with kids. Open communication helps them feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Click https://bit.ly/4e0XylG for our full article "AI Safety for Kids: 6 Best Practices Every Parent Should Know." This article is just one in our series dedicated to AI and its impact on kids. #defendyoungminds #ai #artificialintelligence #characterai #chatbot #chatai #aichatbot

How do I control screen time? ⤵️ Kids love to be on screens, but the longer they’re on screens, the more vulnerable they are to porn, predators, mental health issues, etc. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 2 hours of screen time outside of school work per day. And no screens for kids under the age of 2 except to video chat with others. Here are some practical tips to keep screen time in check: 📌 Set time limits for screen time. Teach young kids self-management by using a timer. 📌 Schedule time for physical activity and outdoor play. 📌 Choose times of the day/week when everyone is unplugged (i.e. mealtimes). You can use a monitoring software or product to turn off the Wi-Fi for specific devices at certain times. 📌 Establish locations where devices can be used. We strongly recommend that devices are used only in common areas and never in bedrooms or bathrooms. 📌 Determine procedure for asking permission to use devices, or download apps/games. We recommend utilizing parental controls to disable downloads without permission. 📌 Outline screen time boundaries for when friends come over, during family visits/gatherings or if out in public. 📌 Shut off all screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime to prepare the brain for sleep. Never let your kid go to bed with a screen. (A book, yes. A screen, no.) We recommend devices are charged in the parents’ room at night or in a place where kids will not have access. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital #defendyoungminds #technology #screentime #americanacademyofpediatrics

🚨 Recent internal documents from TikTok, disclosed in a lawsuit filed by Kentucky authorities, reveal the company's awareness of its potential to harm young users, including the addictive nature of its content. https://bit.ly/3Ns8U7B NPR According to TikTok's own findings, users can develop an addiction after viewing just 260 videos or spending as little as 35 minutes on the platform. Executives also acknowledged that compulsive usage: ➡️ "correlates with a slew of negative mental health effects like loss of analytical skills, memory formation, contextual thinking, conversational depth, empathy, and increased anxiety" AND ➡️ "also interferes with essential personal responsibilities like sufficient sleep, work/school responsibilities, and connecting with loved ones." 🚨 With 95% of smartphone users under 17 are on TikTok, this research is alarming! While we’ve warned about the dangers of TikTok for years, we hope these recent revelations encourage more parents to take action. So what can parents do? ➡️Please don’t let your kids use this app. Help them find fun in safer ways! ➡️Even if you don't allow your child to have TikTok, it doesn't mean they don't have access to it through friends or elsewhere. Have ongoing conversations about harmful content on social media and its addictive design. Teach your kids about how addictions are formed in the brain by reading them 'Good Pictures Bad Pictures.' ➡️If you’ve allowed your older tweens and teens to use TikTok, re-evaluate together by asking them questions such as: ❓How does TikTok make you feel? ❓How do you feel about the videos you see? ❓Does TikTok make you feel better about yourself or worse? ❓If they could change parts of TikTok what would you change? ❓Does spending time on it bring out your best self? ❓What would you rather be doing than scrolling an app watching everyone else living their lives? #defendyoungminds #tiktok #npr

With kids spending more time online than ever — even at school — it’s not IF but WHEN they’ll encounter pornography. That’s why it’s so important to start these conversations early and revisit them often in an age-appropriate way. But let’s be honest, knowing that doesn’t make it any less awkward! That’s why our latest article shares simple steps for an A-level conversation: ✨ Acknowledge the awkwardness ✨ Axe the anxiety ✨ Ask questions ✨ Abandon shame PLUS, you'll find 9 questions to help you spark an authentic, open discussion. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect—what matters is that you get started. We’re here to help! Full article via https://bit.ly/3A0H0fO 📌 Pro tip: Make the “porn talk” less awkward by using the 'Good Pictures Bad Pictures' read-aloud books. They offer clear scripts helpful for keeping the conversation focused and manageable. Reading side by side is also more comfortable and less intimidating than a face-to-face discussion. Learn more via https://lnkd.in/gKpPWSbH.

As we wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re excited to highlight our Spanish resources! 🌎📚 We believe every family deserves access to tools that help kids grow up safe from the harms of pornography. That’s why we offer a variety of resources in Spanish, including articles, guides, and videos to make it easier to start important conversations with your kids. Visit Spanish homepage and explore these valuable tools today! https://lnkd.in/geBEDQDx Al concluir el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, ¡estamos emocionados de destacar nuestros recursos en español! 🌎📚 Creemos que cada familia merece acceso a herramientas que ayuden a los niños a crecer protegidos de los peligros de la pornografía. Por eso, ofrecemos una variedad de recursos en español, incluyendo artículos, guías y videos, para facilitar el inicio de conversaciones importantes con tus hijos. ¡Visita la página de inicio en español y explora estas valiosas herramientas hoy mismo! https://lnkd.in/geBEDQDx #defendyoungminds #spanish #espanol #seguirdaddigital #hispanicheritagemonth

It's World Mental Health Day, and the research is clear: pornography is contributing to a mental health crisis that affects all ages, especially kids and teens. Our latest article dives into the impact of porn on young minds including: 🧠 How early exposure disrupts cognitive development and self-esteem 🔁 The cycle of depression and compulsive behavior tied to porn use ⚠️ The link between porn, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and relationship issues 📗 How our Guidebook for Counseling Kids provides tools for professionals working with kids impacted by porn BONUS! Grab a FREE 4-page PDF with research citations and actionable tools, perfect for sharing with friends, family, and your community. ❗ With mental health stakes this high, it’s time to get informed and take action. Equip yourself and your kids with the knowledge and strategies they need to thrive. Access the article and download your free PDF: https://bit.ly/4gTT8zV #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarenessweek #mentalhealthday #worldmentalhealthday

🧠 During #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, it’s a perfect time to equip your child with the tools they need to thrive emotionally. Mental health struggles are on the rise, and when kids don’t know how to cope with their emotions in healthy ways, they often turn to unhealthy behaviors—like viewing pornography or excessive social media use. Research shows that when kids are resilient, they handle stress better and have fewer mental health issues. Building resilience early gives kids the tools to face life’s tough times with strength and confidence. 📚 Our therapist-recommended guide gives you simple tools to help your child: ✔️Grow a positive mindset ✔️Meet emotional needs in healthy ways ✔️Create personalized “Care Tags” for managing big emotions ✔️Build connection and resilience through Family Stories Download the guide for just $4.97 and start building your child’s resilience! 💪 https://bit.ly/3BZQGVd Centers for Disease Control and Prevention