Safer Internet Day: Protecting Kids from Online Dangers

The internet is an amazing tool for learning, socializing, and entertainment. However, it also presents serious risks, especially for children and teens. As someone who has worked in emergency and acute mental health, I have seen firsthand how online dangers like grooming, trafficking, and blackmail can devastate young lives. Many of the youth I have worked with were targeted through social media or video games, only to find themselves trapped in terrifying situations. My experiences as both a mental health professional, and a parent, constantly reminds me of how critical it is for us as caregivers, to be informed and proactive about online safety.

The Real-Life Impact of Online Exploitation

The risks children face online don’t just exist in the digital world—they have real-life consequences. Victims of online grooming and blackmail often experience anxiety, depression, withdrawal from family and friends, and even physical symptoms like headaches and sleep problems. Some young people have been manipulated into meeting predators in person, leading to tragic outcomes.

Online child sexual exploitation (OCSE) is a growing problem in Canada, with reports increasing by 45% from 2022 to 2023. Warning signs that a child may be at risk include:

• Spending excessive time online, especially at night
• Using new, concerning language related to sex
• Receiving unexplained gifts or money
• Becoming secretive about their online activities

The emotional impact of online exploitation can be long-lasting. Many victims feel shame, fear, and isolation, making it difficult to ask for help. As caregivers, we must create safe spaces where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences without fear of punishment or judgment.

Understanding Grooming and Sextortion

One of the biggest threats online is grooming, where predators gain a child’s trust by pretending to be someone their age. Over time, they manipulate their victims into sharing personal details, explicit photos, or even meeting in person.

Once a predator has compromising material, they may engage in sextortion, threatening to expose the victim unless they send more images, money, or perform other demands. A particularly disturbing trend is “capping,” where predators secretly record video calls for blackmail purposes. Victims often don’t realize they’ve been recorded until threats start. 

Cyberbullying: The Digital Threat

Cyberbullying can be just as damaging as in-person bullying, if not worse. Hurtful messages, public humiliation, and non-consensual image sharing can cause severe emotional distress. Shockingly, only one in four children who are cyberbullied report it to their parents.

Cyberbullying can lead to self-harm or even suicidal thoughts. It is crucial for parents to stay engaged in their children’s online lives, recognize warning signs, and foster an environment where open discussions about internet safety are the norm.

 How Caregivers Can Help

Parental controls and restrictions alone are not enough to keep kids safe online. Instead, caregivers should focus on open communication, education, and critical thinking skills. Here are some key points to discuss with your child:

• Online friendships should be treated with caution—it is NOT okay for anyone to ask for private pictures or personal information.
• If someone makes you uncomfortable, block them and tell a trusted adult.
• Never share explicit images, even with someone you trust.
• If you ever feel pressured or blackmailed online, tell an adult immediately.

These conversations should be ongoing, not one-time lectures, and should be adjusted based on a child’s age and experiences.

The Role of Social Media in Risk Exposure

Social media and private messaging apps play a major role in exposing youth to online risks. Research shows that:

• 1 in 5 young people report unwanted exposure to explicit content.
• 1 in 9 youth have experienced online sexual solicitation.
• Certain apps, such as Kik and Snapchat, are frequently linked to inappropriate content sharing.
• Heavy social media use is associated with increased risky behaviors, including drug use and unsafe sexual activity.

Caregivers should familiarize themselves with the apps their children use and discuss the potential dangers of these platforms.  

Creating a Safer Internet for Our Children

Ensuring online safety is a shared responsibility between caregivers, educators, policymakers, and technology companies. Effective online safety programs should:

• Teach children how to recognize online dangers
• Empower young people with digital resilience
• Provide clear strategies for dealing with cyber threats

Instead of seeing children as passive victims, we should equip them with the skills to navigate the internet safely and responsibly. Schools, community centers, and youth organizations should integrate comprehensive internet safety education that covers content risks (harmful material), contact risks (predators), and commercial risks (data misuse and scams). 

A Call to Action for Caregivers

The internet can be a dangerous place, but through education, communication, and proactive measures, we can protect our children from online exploitation. Internet safety for kids must be talked about and addressed in every household on a regular basis. 

If you or someone you know has experienced online threats or exploitation, resources like cybertip.ca provide critical support. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available. At Acorn Counselling, we are here to support you and your child through these challenges.

By working together, we can create an internet that is a safer place for all children.

Helpful Resources

• Get Cyber Safe (https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en) – A Canadian government initiative offering cybersecurity tips to help protect against online threats.
• Online Dangers (www.canada.ca/onlinedangers) – Provides information on cyberbullying, online predators, and internet safety strategies.
• Canadian Centre for Child Protection (https://protectchildren.ca/en/resources-research/online-safety/) – Offers educational tools and resources to help parents and caregivers keep children safe online.

Contributed by:
Chrissy Carr, BSW, MSW (Candidate), RSW

To learn more about Chrissy, visit the Team Page, or to book a session fill out the form here.

Sources

Avoia, E., Harriman, N. W., Su, M., Cote, T., & Shortland, N. (2021). Adolescents’ exposure to online risks: Gender disparities and vulnerabilities related to online behaviors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(11), 5786. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115786

European Commission. (n.d.). Better internet for kids. European Commission. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en

Canadian Mental Health Association. (2025, February 6). Resources to protect your mental health online on Safer Internet Day. Canadian Mental Health Association. Retrieved from https://ontario.cmha.ca/news/resources-to-protect-your-mental-health-online-on-safer-internet-day/

Public Safety Canada. (n.d.). Get cyber safe. Government of Canada. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en