Parenting in the Digital Age: Guarding Your Child’s Online Life
- John O'Maley
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Dear Parents,
The internet is a powerful tool for learning, connection, & creativity. But as technology evolves, so do the risks children face online. From AI-driven scams to social media challenges, it’s more important than ever for parents to stay informed & proactive.
At Parents Protecting Children, our mission is to empower you with practical tips, real success stories, & the latest online safety threats so you can confidently guide your child through the digital world.
This issue covers:
✅ Monthly Tips – Actionable steps to safeguard your child’s online presence
✅ Success Stories – Real-life examples of parents taking action
✅ Emerging Threats – The latest online dangers every parent should know
🛡️ Monthly Tips: Protecting Your Child Online
💡 This Month’s Focus: Keeping Kids Safe on Social Media
Social media is where kids connect, learn, & express themselves—but it’s also a space where cyberbullying, predators, & privacy risks thrive. Here’s how you can take control:
🔹 Check Their Friends List – Ensure your child only connects with people they know in real life.
🔹 Review Privacy Settings – Adjust app settings to limit who can view, comment, & message them.
🔹 Talk About Posting Wisely – Explain that once something is online, it’s permanent.
🔹 Set Screen Time Limits – Excessive use can harm mental health. Consider setting daily limits.
🔹 Monitor for Secret Accounts ("Finstas") – Kids often create second accounts their parents don’t know about.
🔹 Watch for Grooming & AI Bots – Predators now use AI to manipulate children online.
🔍 Parental Challenge: This week, sit down with your child & review their social media privacy settings together.
🚨 Need help? Check out our guide on setting up parental
controls: https://www.strongerfamiliesonline.org/post/resources-to-help-parents-protect-children-online
🏆 Success Story of the Month: A Parent’s Quick Thinking Stopped an Online Predator
One evening, Jennifer, a mother of a 13-year-old, noticed her daughter texting a "new friend" from a gaming platform. Something felt off. She calmly asked about the conversation, & her daughter revealed that the person was asking her to switch to an encrypted messaging app.
Jennifer immediately stepped in—she researched the username, discovered it was linked to multiple reports of grooming, & reported it to authorities. Her actions protected not only her daughter but potentially other children, too.
💬 Jennifer’s Advice: “Kids don’t see the danger. You have to be proactive, stay involved, & keep an open conversation so they feel safe telling you when something doesn’t seem right.”
🔹 Lesson for Parents: Monitor who your child interacts with online & trust your instincts. If something feels off, investigate.
🙌 Have a success story? Share it with us at johnjoy1@aol.com
🚨 Emerging Threats: What Parents Need to Know
🌍 Tech is evolving, & so are online risks. Here are the latest threats you should be aware of:
🔴 Deepfake Kidnapping Scams: AI-generated voices are being used to impersonate children, tricking parents into thinking their child is in danger & demanding ransom.
How to Protect Your Family: Have a family code word that only you & your child know. Never wire money without verifying.
🔴 "Finsta" (Fake Instagram) Accounts: Many teens create second, secret Instagram accounts to post content they don’t want parents to see.How to Spot It: Check for alternate usernames linked to your child’s phone number or email.
🔴 AI Chatbots Grooming Kids: Predators now use AI-generated profiles & chatbots to build trust with children before attempting exploitation.What You Can Do: Teach kids how to identify suspicious profiles & emphasize that "friends" online are not always who they claim to be.
🔴 Dangerous Viral Challenges on TikTok & YouTube: Recent challenges have led to injuries & deaths.Parental Action: Stay updated on trends & discuss the risks of engaging in viral dares.
💡 Stay informed! Follow our website: strongerfamiliesonline.org, where we post emerging threats
📌 Take Action: Join Our Mission
👨👩👧👦 Join the Parents Protecting Children Community!
🔹 Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Get real-time alerts on online safety risks.
🔹 Invite Friends & Family: Share this newsletter with others to spread awareness.
📩 We Want to Hear From You! Do you have a question, story, or tip to share? Reply to this email.
Together, we can educate, empower, & protect.
Thank you for taking an active role in your child’s digital safety.
Stay safe,
Deacon John O’Maley
Founder
Parents Protecting Children, Inc.
💌 Forward this newsletter to another parent—it could make all the difference!
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