Internet and Media Safety

by Heather Byrns, LMHC, Mental Health Access Coordinator with Riverside Communtiy Care and Project INTERFACE at the Freedman Center for Child and Family Development at MSPP and Ember Cook, PsyD candidate at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology and Melissa Moses, PsyD candidate at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology

As technology has advanced, access to media has quickly become ever present and constant. On average, 8- to 18-year olds spend 7 ½ hours every day using media. A recent survey found that children live in environments that have four televisions, nearly three DVD or VCR players, two CD players, two radios, two video game consoles, and two computers. Children use computers to play interactive games, use social media like Facebook, Twitter, and FormSpring, and view television or videos on web sites like Hulu, YouTube, and other streaming web sites. Access to more recent technology like smart phones, tablets, and iPods make media even more accessible. One study found that as many as 22% of children ages 6-9, 60% of children ages 10-14 and 84% of children ages 15-18 own a cell phone. Many children and adults use different technologies simultaneously and ongoing studies are exploring the impact of “connectedness” on the brain. Overall, media has become an integral part of our environment and is impacting how children and adolescents communicate, gather and share information, and develop their sense of self.

What are children and adolescents being exposed to?

One common concern regarding media and children is access to inappropriate content. Children may be exposed to violence, sexual content, and tobacco, alcohol and drug use in movies or on television; 90% of the top-grossing PG-13-rated films of 1999-2000 contained violence and 75% of prime-time TV shows have sexualized content. Parents must remember that movies and TV shows are readily available online via YouTube, Hulu, and other streaming web sites. While parents can set limits at home, technology has become pervasive in our society; it is likely that children have access to all types of media through their peers, regardless of restrictions at home. Additionally, cell phones have numerous capabilities and children and adolescents have them all the time – exposure to texts, social media sites, and the internet is constant.

Why should I worry about texting/cell phone use?

As noted above, many more children and adolescents have their own cell phones, and with advances in technology, many phones have multiple capabilities, including: taking high resolution videos and pictures, surfing the internet (which allows quick access to posting images on web sites), and sending video or picture text messages.

  • Adolescents need to know the dangers (and the legal implications) of texting while driving. For example, Massachusetts recently made it illegal to text-message while driving, and many states do not allow talking on a cell phone while driving without a “hands-free” device.
  • Researchers are also becoming concerned about cell phones and texting interfering with children’s daily routines and leading to dependence. As children are constantly “plugged in,” studies are finding that they can engage in excessive use of cell phones and can become anxious or depressed, particularly when they are not able to be in constant contact with peers.
  • Texting can also interfere with sleep. One study found that adolescents reported being woken up during the night by incoming text messages or calls, and this was leading to fatigue during the school day. Another study indicated that 37% of adolescents felt that they could not live without a cell phone once they had it, indicating that adolescents could begin to develop a dependence on being connected.

What is “sexting”?

  • “Sexting,” which is the sharing of sexually explicit images of children or adolescents by text message or online, has become increasingly common, particularly between adolescents. In a recent Associated Press-MTV survey, more than one quarter of the young people polled indicated that they fairly routinely engaged in sexting.
  • Many children and adolescents do not consider or realize that once their image is provided to another person, they lose control over who views it. Images or videos may be re-posted in other locations or may be sent to non-intended viewers.
  • Adolescents may not be aware of the legal implications of “sexting.” “Sexting” can be considered child pornography (depending on age) and both parents and children may be prosecuted.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is repeated, electronic-based bullying via computers or cell phones. Anyone can be bullied when abusive or derogatory statements are posted to a social networking site, or through threatening or upsetting emails, instant messages, or texts. Studies have found that more than half of adolescents have posted or received “hurtful” online statements. However, 60% of these children have not told an adult. Parents should never assume that because their children are not what are considered “traditional” bullies, it is impossible for them to become involved in cyberbullying either as a victim or as a perpetrator. Children may engage in cyberbullying to “try it once” or to do it “as a joke.”

Incidents of violence and bullying that take place via technology are continuing to increase. Young people may be victimized by others who impersonate them on social networking sites. Impersonation may take place through manipulating of photos, setting fake accounts and sending fake texts and emails. Parents and children should be aware that they may be held accountable for their behavior online, and the behavior may lead to potential charges of harassment.

Cyberbullying and cell phone use can also be related to teen dating violence. Adolescents may be in apparently “healthy” relationships, but their partner may engage in controlling or abusive behaviors using the computer or cell phones. Some abusive behaviors that occur include excessive calling and texting, demanding to know where someone is or who he or she is with, and monitoring their email or social networking sites. Adolescents might also be intimidated into posing for a sexually explicit photo which can then be used as “blackmail” to prevent a break-up.

How can parents help?

To help children and adolescents have positive experiences with technology and media, parents and other caring adults must gain a basic understanding of the media their children are accessing so that they can assist children in making healthy decisions involving safety as well as interpersonal relationships. In addition, it is important to encourage children to become media literate. Media literacy involves having the ability to read a variety of different media, analyze the messages presented, and make decisions as informed consumers. Parents are encouraged to watch or read content with their children and have conversations about the meaning and appropriateness with them. Parents can also help children define their values and empower them to feel confident about walking away from things that make them uncomfortable.

Tips for children and adolescents using the internet

  • What you see online is not necessarily what you get: Remember that a screen name or photo, which can be manipulated, may not necessarily represent the person you are talking to.
  • Be careful about sharing personal information. Most children and adolescents know not to reveal addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, or full names. But you should be cautious answering questions about your grade, your school, or who your friends are. Use privacy settings to ensure that only those people you know personally, in real life, have access to your personal information including photos or specifics about where you live, or activities you are involved in.
  • Be aware that what is said or posted online not only could be distributed elsewhere, but could also be found years from now by college admission officers, potential employers, and others.
  • Do not tell anyone something online that you would not want others to know. Your page is not private. Anything posted online is public and you are responsible for whatever you write. A good general rule: if you can’t say it aloud to someone’s face, then you can’t message, post, or email it.
  • Harassment is a federal crime. If someone sends you messages or images that abuse, threaten or harass you, report it to an adult you trust (a parent, a teacher at school, a local police officer) and let your Internet Service Provider know. Do not put up with rudeness, bullying, or provocative emails, chats or texts!

Tips for Parents

  • What we feed children’s minds is as important as what we feed their bodies. Teach children to develop a healthy media diet, and engage them in the process of thinking about the media they use, rather than passively consuming it.
  • Discuss online dangers with your children and view frequently visited sites together. Share with your children your use of online media to encourage them to discuss their online habits.
  • View other types of technology or media together: play frequently used video games, watch television programs, and review cell phone use to discuss content and any concerns.
  • Establish set hours for phone and Internet use (depending on age, more than 1-2 hours daily is not recommended). Consider having rules requiring computers or cell phones to be put away at night to ensure your child is getting adequate sleep.
  • Keep computers or laptops in a common area, and have expectations about using them where an adult can monitor.
  • Learn about parental control and other security measures, including those on networking sites. Also be aware of safeguards employed by schools, libraries, and other places where children have access to the Internet.
  • Assess the necessity of giving children certain devices. Do younger children need a cell phone with a camera? Are laptops an absolute? Are webcams a must-have? If they are necessary, discuss parental controls or plans that limit the devices ability to perform functions that are not necessary like sending texts or accessing the internet.
  • Reach out to local law enforcement for information, tips, and resources.
  • Be a media role model! Ensure that you avoid using the cell phone while driving, allow time in your day to be “unplugged” from different media sources, and encourage conversations about different media messages when they come up.

Media and the internet have a lot to offer us as a society, as professionals or students, and as individuals. Parents can encourage children and adolescents to utilize media to expand their personal and intellectual life in a healthy manner. Additionally, technology can bring the family together: as media continues to be a part of everyday life, parents can join with their children by playing video games with them, sharing jokes over Twitter, or tagging photos on Facebook. Your family can work together to come up with media and internet use guidelines that work for everyone, which might include “screen-free” hours or days and encourage children to pursue other activities during these times.

The information in the article above was drawn from the following sources:

Additional Sources of Information

Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids about Being Online (pdf), offers adults “practical tips to help kids navigate the online world.” Published by OnGuard Online, a joint effort of the federal government and the technology industry to help citizens stay safe online.

Parenting in the Internet Age from the PBS show Frontline. Experts on youth and new media explain what parents need to understand about the Internet, and what they need to teach their children.

National Institute on Media and the Family

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children runs the CyberTipline ( or 1-800-843-5678) for reporting any incidents of child sexual exploitation on the internet, including child pornography and the online enticement of a child. The NCMEC also operates Netsmartz, which provides information and resources on internet safety to children, teens, parents, educators, and law enforcement.

One Tough Job, from the Massachusett's Children's Trust Fund, offers the following articles (slide the age slider to 12-15 and choose from the sidebar links):

  • Internet Safety—What Parents Should Know
  • Internet Safety—What Parents Can Do
  • Helpful Internet Safety Websites

Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office
617-591-7750

Disclaimer: Material on the Project INTERFACE web site is intended as general information. It is not a recommendation for treatment, nor should it be considered medical or mental health advice. Project INTERFACE urges families to discuss all information and questions related to medical or mental health care with a health care professional.