How much time do kids spend online? Quite a lot, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, teens in particular spent an average of 4.8 hours on social media platforms per day - potentially exposing them to risks and making protecting children online as critical as ever.

As social media usage has surged, so have digital safety concerns for children of all ages. Predators who use technology to target teens and children number in the thousands, according to the U.S. Department of Justice's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which arrested more than 10,800 online offenders after 184,700 investigations during 2023.

Peer pressure can be another online minefield for teens. Up to 95% of adolescents between ages 13 and 17 report using social media daily, at a time when their brains are still developing. This social media use has been tied to upticks in depression, anxiety, poor sleep, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying.

How can we keep kids safe on social media while protecting them from online pressures and predators? Experts agree a combination of awareness, safe internet practices for children, and training can go far toward preventing online child exploitation. Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) understands parents and educators do their best to support and protect children who spend time online through virtual or online components. Here are some simple tips and strategies for keeping kids safe on social media.

1. Child Internet Safety Tips: Open Communication Is Key

It's become a modern cliche: Teenagers (and sometimes even adults) glued to their cell phones and tablets in an infinite scroll.

Limiting and monitoring online usage is often parents' first line of offense for internet safety, but it might not go as planned, especially with teens. Discussing online and social media safety with children can be another protective measure. Parents and caregivers can:

• Advise children not to share personal information, passwords, photos, or videos. Such information could be exploited by predators and leave children vulnerable to grooming, abuse, or bullying.

• Ask children about what they see online and teach them to spot red flags. These conversations can vary by age, but they may help children spot potential predators who suddenly pay them special attention, ask personal questions, or send them gifts.

• Encourage kids to confide in a parent, leader, or other trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable. Building trust with kids can ensure they feel free to tell you if someone has been inappropriate with them online, helping to protect them from online predators.

2. Adjust Privacy, Parental, and Organizational Controls

Social platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube offer controls for monitoring or limiting usage. Apps such as Aura, AirDroid, and Net Nanny can enable parents and educators to filter and block certain websites and applications, contributing to child online protection guidelines.

3. Online Child Exploitation Prevention: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Experts say that if children are being exploited or bullied, there may be behavior clues, such as hiding devices, becoming withdrawn, or engaging in self-harm. Recognizing these signs can help stop online abuse, as well as grooming and exploitation.

For educators and others who work with children, additional training in preventing sexual abuse can also help protect children from online predators.

4. Utilize Expert Support Through Abuse Prevention Systems and MinistrySafe

Child-serving organizations such as schools, youth sports programs, day care centers, churches, camps, and clubs who have abuse coverage through PHLY can access resources from Abuse Prevention Systems (APS) and MinistrySafe, which have partnered with PHLY for more than a decade.

APS was created to serve a full spectrum of child-serving organizations, and they provide resources, guidance, and training for child sexual abuse prevention and online child exploitation prevention. These resources are available at no cost to PHLY insureds who have abuse coverage. Learn more at AbusePreventionSystems.com/PHLY.

The unique needs of faith-based organizations are addressed by MinistrySafe, an arm of APS that serves churches, mission organizations, and other ministry programming. Learn more at MinistrySafe.com/PHLY, or contact phlyrms@phly.com for more information.

Protecting children online is an ongoing effort. Stay informed, stay engaged, and utilize the resources available to create a safer online experience for children. PHLY is a committed partner in the battle against child sexual abuse and online exploitation. Working together, we can help keep kids safe.