What's Done in the Dark

Have you ever heard the saying that what's done in the dark will come to the light? Working with children ages 2-18 has exposed me to things I would have never known or thought of as a kid much less an adult.  As my co-worker and I agreed, thank goodness we didn't have smartphones when we were kids! The advent of smartphones is actually a great thing. We have access to the world basically in the palm of our hands. We can buy anything, look at anything, research anything. As good as that is, it also means we can buy anything, look at anything, or research anything. If we have that access so does everyone else. In this digital age it is extremely important that as parents or anyone who works with or has any children in their life they love, that you know that your children have access to any and every thing- porn, inappropriate videos, explicit pictures. Unfortunately, not so nice people also have that same access. We have unfortunately seen a rise in children who are sending and receiving inappropriate media on their smart devices. It is extremely dangerous and unfortunately seemingly common. So the answer is not be afraid or overly worried but to be aware. 

What are some things to keep in mind?

• Have the passwords for your children's phone or some other way to track what is received and sent.
• Know their friends. 
• If your child becomes withdrawn or often stays alone in their room there may be something going on.
• Know popular social media sites and/or trends.
• Have honest conversation with your kids and keep the lines of communication open. 

Please when you have a chance look at this story, titled Facebook After Dark. Also, check out this app, developed to give kids a great looking alternative to sending inappropriate content when asked for it. This is one of the messages that can be sent and I must say is one of my favs.

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The app can be downloaded from the App Store if you have an iPhone and the Google Play Store for Android users.