The Biggest Online Risks for Kids

CEBU, Philippines - With the rise of the Internet and social media, interactions have become more global and the sharing of information faster. Connecting with loved ones abroad, purchasing goods and even transacting with the banks can be done on the cellphone. Also, "meeting" strangers is now much easier.

But with the technological advances also come certain setbacks. The ones most affected are the Generation Z, also known as the iGen, Post-Millennials, Centennials, or the Plurals. They are born after the Millennials, from the mid- or late-90s through the 2010s. This generation is identified by its extensive use of the Internet from a very young age. They are comfortable with technology and socializing and interacting through the social media.

Millenials and post-Millenials make up the most number of Internet users, exposing them more to online risks compared to the older generations. As part of its youth empowerment efforts, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. reminds these young people to be aware of the risks in order to be able to avoid or minimize their exposure to such. Older generations are also reminded of these threats so they could lend a hand to the younger ones.

Low Self-esteem. With the endless sharing of updates and photos of happy friends going on fun adventures in social media, some young people might see it as something negative because their social lives might not stack up to the level. As a result, their self-esteem suffers and sooner or later they may become depressed.

Another example is when they see photos of beautiful young people and find themselves lacking in comparison. They will see themselves as "not pretty or handsome enough" and would start doubting their whole being.

Cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is "bullying that occurs through e-mail, instant messages, text messages, social networking websites, or through images or videos posted online or sent via cell phone," says Patricia Agatston, PhD, a licensed professional counselor and co-author of "Cyber Bullying in the Digital Age."

When a child posts photos and these earn negative comments from other people in the social network, that child's self-esteem suffers as well. Cyberbullying is more rampant and more damaging than traditional bullying, because it is more public and more difficult to predict.

The effects of this could be profound emotional health issues, including depression, anxiety, severe isolation, and tragically, even suicide.

Sexual Solicitation and Exposure to Sexual Content. Exposure to inappropriate or explicit sites and victimization by sexual predators are two of the biggest concerns of parents and school administrators with children go online.

Frequent exposure to sexually explicit material is found to make children develop more permissive attitudes about sex, cynicism about the need for affection, preference for casual sexual relations, "one-night stands," and even copying behaviors seen in pornography.

Lack of Privacy. Privacy is practically non-existent when dealing with social media sites and posting on the Internet. Everyone can see the posts and are able to download them if they please. It becomes very difficult to maintain privacy because once it's on the Internet it would be hard to remove it. The privacy settings on the sites are definitely not enough to fully protect children.

Generational/Communicational Gap. The new generation is more exposed to content that previous generations might not be able relate to. Young people easily navigate their way through the Internet and have no trouble figuring out digital-related problems, while their parents might even find it difficult to differentiate Wi-Fi from internet. This creates a gap between parents and their children.

Generation Z tends to see both their online and offline relations as part of one reality. The Internet makes it easier for them to interact with like-minded people, which creates a bond that is hard to find in everyday life.

Online risks could be negated by a healthy relationship between parents and their children.  The young ones shall be encouraged to turn to their parents for help and guidance as they navigate the digital world of the present time.

References: http://blog.goguardian.com, www.covenanteyes.com, www.ecdgroup.com (FREEMAN)