Has the internet ruined child safety?
Many people - especially parents - feel that the internet has seriously compromised the safety, well-being, and even innocence of young people, by exposing them to risks that the offline world struggles to contain.
It’s an issue that’s everywhere right now around the globe, with a huge range of passionate opinions from every angle about what respective roles governments and parents should play.
I sat down with Brett Lee, a Cyber Safety Advocate, Author, and Founder of Internet Safe Education, to help us understand the effects of the internet – and especially social media – on the safety of children, how the digital world has changed over time, the dangers and opportunities it presents, and how everybody can play a part in ensuring a positive experience online for young people.
In this episode, we discuss:
00:00 Introduction to Cyber Safety Education
03:08 The Evolution of Internet Dangers
05:56 The Nature of Online Predators
09:38 The Impact of Technology on Perception
11:52 Harmful Platform Features for Youth
14:29 Vulnerability of Young Users
17:07 Age Restrictions and Social Media
19:30 The Challenge of Cyberbullying
23:00 Anonymity and Its Dangers
25:53 The Role of Parents in Online Safety
26:37 The Role of Technology in Youth Creativity
27:55 Parental Guidance in Digital Spaces
29:45 Strategies for Safe Technology Use
31:37 Peer Pressure and Technology Access
33:25 Legislation and Community Norms
35:10 Positive Online Platforms for Youth
38:04 Navigating Social Media Risks
41:25 The Importance of Communication
45:41 Grassroots Efforts for Online Safety
48:07 Final Advice for Concerned Parents
Enjoy the show,
Gareth
Has the internet ruined our attention spans?
