The Hidden Dangers of Technology: What Every Parent Should Know
As much as we all enjoy the benefits of technology in our daily lives, it’s important to acknowledge the risks that come with it—especially when it comes to our children. Working as a School Counselor for a middle school, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges kids face with technology. Despite the fact that it can be a powerful educational tool, there are several dangers lurking behind the screen that we all need to be aware of.
Your Location is Visible
One of the most common issues I’ve seen is kids not understanding the full extent of location-sharing apps. Many apps, like Snapchat, show your exact location in real-time, and if Instagram isn't set to private, everything your child posts is visible to anyone, including strangers. Many kids are unaware that responding to every message they receive—whether from someone they know or not—can put them at risk. It’s crucial to remind them that their online activity is more visible than they think, and not everyone has good intentions.
Everything You Share is Evidence
As a school counselor, I’ve had numerous instances where parents brought in screenshots of hurtful, inappropriate, or even threatening messages their kids exchanged. Many times, I had to sit down with students and ask them to explain what had happened. Often, the kids would lie or try to hide the truth, but once I showed them the evidence—the text messages and images they thought were private—their reactions were eye-opening. It’s important for kids to understand that everything they share online, whether it’s a message or a picture, can be used as evidence—sometimes even in legal cases. And even if a friend has access to their phone, the owner is still held accountable for what happens on it.
The Power of the Screen
The anonymity of online communication can make kids feel invincible, and this leads to behaviors that wouldn’t normally happen face-to-face. I’ve seen students—often in 4th and 5th grade—who engage in name-calling, bullying, and even threats online, behaviors that they might never have done in person. Technology gives them a sense of distance and detachment, allowing the words to fly without the immediate consequences they would face in a classroom or playground setting.
The Dangers of Picture Sharing
In the world of preteens, relationships can change quickly. What starts as a cute picture sent to a boyfriend or girlfriend can easily be shared beyond the original recipient. I’ve had to talk to kids about how quickly things can spiral out of control when pictures, often intended to be private, are forwarded around the school or shared through apps like Airdrop. It's important for kids to understand that once something is sent digitally, it can be shared—and that can have long-lasting consequences.
Legal Consequences for Online Actions
Believe it or not, kids as young as 10 can face legal charges for their online behavior. I've seen situations where a parent, upset over cyberbullying or threats made against their child, has pressed charges. A child who threatens another, or engages in harmful behavior, could even be arrested. It’s crucial for kids to understand that their online actions can have serious real-world consequences.
The Bottom Line: Technology Isn’t Going Away—But We Can Prepare Our Kids
I get it. We can't protect our kids from technology forever. At some point, they will have access to a cell phone, social media, or the internet. However, as parents, we have a responsibility to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate this digital world safely. Handing your child a smartphone is like handing them a Pandora’s Box—once it’s open, they have access to anything and everything.
Before giving your child access to the internet, make sure they’re aware of the risks: online predators, privacy settings, and the importance of responsible digital behavior. Together, we can help them use technology in a way that empowers them, rather than putting them in harm's way.
