Kanika Agrawal’s Post

🔔 Ok, that is an important development! As concerns about online safety 🛡️ and mental health 🧠 continue to grow, enforcing age limits on social media & other platforms is being considered as a potential solution in Australia. While it could safeguard younger users from harmful content 🚫, it also raises questions about balancing protection with access to digital opportunities 💻. Whether the proposed legislation is draconian or not may ultimately depend on their real-world outcomes. 🍮 The proof will be in the pudding—can they genuinely protect young users while still allowing them to develop digital skills and engage online? 💻🛡️ #socialmedia #children #sociotech #Australia #CQUniversity

YouTube Expands Youth Safety Measures for Safer Internet Day YouTube’s marking Safer Internet Day with some expanded measures to help keep young users safe, including updates to its in-stream “Take a Break” prompts, a broader roll out of content restrictions for potentially harmful topics, and a new report on digital wellbeing, created in collaboration with adolescent health experts. First off, on Take Break reminders, YouTube’s in-app alerts to ensure that users remain conscious of the time that they’re spending in the app. YouTube’s Take a Break and Bedtime reminder tools are now available in all regions, and are active by default for teens and younger children. https://lnkd.in/gZdYnCZk #parentingandsocialmedia #youtubechildrenssafety #socialmediasafety

This kind of ad should be everywhere. This is a crisis and we need to start acting like it. Parental controls are needed, no doubt. But the best way to avoid this is to delay getting a smartphone until 16. And to not allow a laptop in the bedroom. May seem unreasonable, that last one, but a laptop can be used by a child on the dinner table or perhaps on a desk downstairs somewhere more public, but as much as possible not alone. Sad but true, children are just not safe online and current safeguards are, well, there are barely any in place. How can busy parents ensure that their child isn't being groomed as they are in this video? - No smartphone until 16 (https://lnkd.in/eXmzfJGx) - No laptops/tablets in bedrooms

The real challenge will be for the social media firms to implement this directive...because 1. Currently their is no verification of person concept in social media.. (apart from X) 2. How will the companies verify age? 3. How will 15 and 16 years old's be linked to parent accounts (added burden of verifying who is parent and which parent can authorise the account 4. What happens when one parent complains to social media firm that the other parent authorised the account but they don't want their child to have the account While the legislation is important and will eventually be rolled out around entire country... And will protect the young ones... It will also create the issue of digital skills....

Navigating the #digital landscape can be challenging, especially for teenagers. While the online world offers numerous benefits, it also poses significant risks. As a psychologist, I understand the importance of ensuring our children’s safety and well-being in this ever-evolving environment. Here are some valuable tips to help keep your #child safe online: 1. Open Communication: Maintain an open dialogue with your child about their online activities. Encourage them to share their experiences, both positive and negative, and assure them that they can come to you with any concerns. 2. Educate About Risks: Inform your child about potential online dangers, such as cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and exposure to inappropriate content. Awareness is the first step towards prevention. 3. Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules regarding internet use. Set limits on screen time, specify which websites and apps are allowed, and ensure devices are used in common areas of the home. 4. Use Privacy Settings: Help your child configure privacy settings on social media platforms and other online accounts. This will control who can see their information and how they can interact with others. 5. Monitor Activity: Regularly check your child’s online activity. This doesn’t mean invading their privacy, but rather keeping an eye on their interactions to ensure they’re safe. 6. Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach your child to think critically about the information they encounter online. Encourage them to question the credibility of sources and to be cautious about sharing personal information. 7. Promote Offline Activities: Encourage your child to engage in offline activities and hobbies. This helps to balance their online time and fosters a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle. 8. #Lead by Example: Model good #online #behavior yourself. Show your child how to interact respectfully online, protect personal information, and manage #screentime effectively. By implementing these strategies, you can help your child navigate the online world safely and positively. Remember, staying informed and involved in your child’s is the key.

When families come to me, it’s often after a situation has spiraled out of control. 🤷 I’ve dealt with kids being groomed by predators, victims of relentless cyberbullying, and teens suffering from body image issues exacerbated by social media. Unhealthy internet challenges, the sharing of intimate photos, feelings of alienation, FOMO, and declining self-esteem are challenges I see all too often. 😔 What makes it worse is knowing that with the right guidance, many of these situations could have been avoided. This is why I am deeply committed to equipping kids with the skills they need to stay physically and mentally healthy in our online world. Social media is here to stay—let's ensure our children are prepared for its impact now and in the future. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start building a safer and healthier online experience for your family now. Enroll in the 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗢𝗻-𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 today and empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to help your child thrive in a tech-driven world. 📱 👇 Link in the comments... . . . #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingTips #DigitalWellbeing #TeenHealth #OnlineSafety #ParentingTeens #TeenCoach

🚀 Unlocking the Power of Digital Well-being 🌐 Did you know that 95% of kids today are exposed to electronic devices, with a significant portion falling prey to the allure of violent content, impacting their sleep patterns? 📱💤 📊 Statistics don't lie: 85% of parents are concerned about their children's addiction to screens. On average, kids spend over 7 hours per day on electronic devices. Studies reveal a direct correlation between exposure to violent movies and disturbed sleep patterns in children. 💡 Minimizing the Threats: We possess well-established evidence on how to tackle these challenges and create a safer digital environment for our younger generation. Education, open communication, and setting healthy screen time limits are proven strategies. 🌈 Creating a Digital Sanctuary: Let's work together to build a digital world where our children can thrive without falling victim to the hazards of online content. Empowering them to use social media responsibly is not just a choice; it's a necessity. ⚠️ Digital Hazard Crime: Abuse of social media isn't just a matter of personal choice; it's a crime against the well-being of our youth. Let's raise awareness about the consequences and promote digital literacy to prevent the perpetuation of these crimes. 🤝 Join the Movement: Together, we can foster a safer online space for the next generation. Share your thoughts, experiences, and tips on promoting digital well-being. Use #DigitalWellBeingMovement to join the conversation and make a positive impact today. 🌐 Let's build a digital future that's safe, empowering, and full of opportunities for our children! 🚀 #OnlineSafety #DigitalWellBeing #ParentingInDigitalAge

Safer #Internet Day is on 6 Feb this year. How can we ensure an online environment for our #children?🧒 As #technology continues to evolve, the internet has become an integral part of children’s lives. However, the internet is not designed with children’s safety in mind, we, therefore, have to create a safe digital environment through policy, technology and spaces that put #health, #wellbeing, and safety first. According to our #research in 2022, 1 in 5 teenagers experienced #cyberbullying in 2021, which can have long-term negative impacts on children’s emotional and social development as well as mental well-being. Let’s join hands to create a safe online environment for youngsters. Check out the tips for protecting children online below and share it to your connections!🌐 #SavetheChildrenHK #OnlineSafety #SaferInternetDay #SID2024 #PCYDH2024 Safe Online

#Parenting in the digital age comes with unique challenges. Managing screen time, ensuring online safety, and navigating the impact of social media on children is a tricky situation. Embracing technology for educational purposes and setting limits to maintain a balance amidst social media, and a fast-paced lifestyle is demanding . Knowing about the latest trends and online platforms our children might be engaging with is important. Leading by example—demonstrating positive online behaviour and mindfulness helps. Emphasising the importance of family time and reinforcing values that go beyond the digital realm is desirable. Actively participating in our children's online lives while maintaining offline connections, is the way forward. As caregivers, let's be steady guides for our children, offering support through life's challenges—they may bend, but they won't break #DigitalParenting #ParentingTips #TechBalance #InformedParenting #Harleen2Coach #Onelifetolive Video credit: Internet

Empower your child to navigate the digital world safely with these essential strategies for parents. Let's promote empathy, set boundaries, and foster open communication to ensure a positive online experience for all 🌐 #OnlineSafety #CyberbullyingPrevention #ParentingTips #DigitalWellbeing #MIND247