Summer break often means more time online for kids and experts say today’s internet safety conversations should go beyond social media.
PHOENIX — Summer break often means more free time for kids, but it can also mean more time spent online.
Experts say that is why now is a good time for parents to start conversations about internet safety.
According to a recent Pew Research Center study, nearly half of U.S. teens say they are online “almost constantly.”
Whether kids are scrolling social media, playing video games, using messaging apps or turning to artificial intelligence chatbots, experts say parents should pay attention to how their children are spending time online.
Sarah Grado is the CEO of notMYkid, a Scottsdale-based prevention and counseling agency that provides resources for kids and families in the Valley.
Grado said internet safety should be an ongoing conversation, not a one-time talk.
“Internet safety is an ongoing conversation. It’s not a one-time conversation. The more connected we are to our kids offline, the safer they’re going to be online,” Grado said.
Grado also said parents should also watch for changes in their child’s behavior.
Warning signs can include changes in sleep habits, isolating from family or friends, becoming unusually secretive about devices or having a big emotional reaction when a device is taken away.
She said kids may not always tell an adult right away if something negative or dangerous is happening online, so behavior changes can be an important clue. Grado advised that parents should not assume the worst if they notice those changes. Instead, she said they should start a conversation and remind their child they can come to them safely if something does not feel right. This is especially important because some kids may be afraid to come forward if they think their phone or device will be taken away.
Experts admit online safety conversations are also expanding beyond social media. Grado said more teens are using artificial intelligence chatbots for things like homework help, casual conversations, companionship, advice and, in some cases, therapy, adding that some chatbots can be programmed as a child’s favorite celebrity or fictional character, making the conversations feel personal.
Although she admits AI can be a helpful tool, Grado said parents should talk with their children about how and why they are using it.
notMYkid also offers parent education, counseling, prevention programs and family support for families in the Valley and those additional resources can be found on notMYkid’s website.
