The internet is an increasing measure of life, especially for young people; they use it access research for schoolwork, and keep up-to-date with current events, among other things. They also use it to stay in touch with friends and family on social media. However, there are real dangers lurking there as well.

Knowing what your kids do online is an absolute necessity to protect them from threats. These days very young kids have access to the internet on their phones or tablets that they use in their bedrooms. With no parental supervision, they are exposed to sexual predators, inappropriate content, online bullying, scams and so forth.

Do you know that your kid might be being bullied on social media? It’s called cyberbullying. According to a survey conducted by Comparitech, although the majority of parents in the study reported bullying occurring in school, 19.2% stated that bullying occurred through social media sites and apps. According to another study by L1GHT, online toxicity and cyberbullying increased up to 70% due to the pandemic and lockdowns. Cyberbullying includes offensive name-calling, purposeful embarrassment, physical threats, stalking, sexual harassment, sustained harassment and body shaming, to mention a few. 

Your kids might also be being exposed to online information that promotes hate, violence, and pornography. Kids can also be exposed to violence in video games or movies and some YouTube channels, and this is risky because it can increase aggressiveness in their everyday life.  Kids may watch pornography sent by a friend, and that can be uncomfortable, upsetting, and confusing. It can also send negative messages such as, violent sexual acts are normal and appealing.

Knowing what your kids do online will help you to protect them, that’s why parents should actually be concerned about their kids’ internet use. Parents should also take some safety measures, for instance, install security apps in your kid’s phone, know your kid’s friends on the internet, but the most effective way to keep your kids safe is to talk openly with them about online risks, how to avoid them and how they can come to you when something goes wrong.

The "Aspiring Journalists” initiative is a partnership between UNICEF and The New Times, encouraging young writers to develop and demonstrate their skills while spotlighting topics which are important to young people across Rwanda.