PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) – Getting sucked into the dangers of the internet is as easy as the click of a button.
Experts say one wrong link or post can expose children to harmful or disturbing content.
“We have a lot of access to people who don’t want the best for us,” said Chloe Rylee, a licensed marriage and family therapist. “I think cyberbullying and online harassment is still something that is so rampant.”
Rylee said that often, children and teenagers can’t see beyond harmful things online and it can weigh on their mental health.
She said it is up to guardians to create a safe line of communication.
Rylee said children are often embarrassed by what they have seen, and could withdraw or isolate themselves.
“I’m a big proponent for early intervention,” she said. “As soon as something happens, as soon as you become aware of something, intervening at that point and not waiting for it to get to a point where it’s scary.”
Rylee said a newer danger on the internet is the growth of artificial intelligence. She said this concern is impacting all age groups.
“If you have to tell grandma that cat is not actually playing the fiddle on the porch, it may hurt her feelings, and it may be a little bit embarrassing, but at least we’re keeping her grounded in reality,” Rylee said.
For adolescents, Rylee’s biggest recommendation when it comes to social media is to create clear boundaries.
“It’s the same thing like we were taught in school about, like, good touch and bad touch,” she said. “If you see something that makes you feel weird, you know, I think you should speak up about that.”
It’s important not to wait until it is too late.
Rylee said the internet feels very real for adolescents, and sometimes just reminding your child that you’re there for them can save a life.
“Kids are going to think it’s annoying. They’re going to think it’s overkill,” Rylee said. “That is being a child. But, intervening as early as you possibly can, I think, is the most important thing that you can do.”
Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Copyright 2026 WDAM. All rights reserved.
