In the child abuse cases the Children & Family Advocacy Center receives, most offenders are people the child already knows, often someone close to home or living in it.
As technology expands our children's world, that safety message becomes more complicated, not less. A stranger online is still a stranger, and the rules of caution apply even when a screen is between them.
Behind that screen, an offender has time to build trust before a child realizes what's happening. They can pose as someone trustworthy, someone of the child's age. The digital space doesn't erase our safety rules. It makes them essential.
Think about the questions you already ask: Who were you with? What did you do? How did you feel? Those conversations shouldn't stop when your child picks up a phone, tablet, or computer. The same interactions are happening, the friendships and the games and the strangers, whether in person or online.
The good news is that internet safety doesn't start with the latest app or parental control software. It starts with an open conversation. When children know they can talk without fear of getting in trouble, they're far more likely to come to you when something feels wrong.
Here are five ways to keep those conversations going:
Be curious, not critical. Show genuine interest in what your child enjoys online. Ask them to teach you about their favorite games or apps. Children share more when they feel heard, not judged.
Ask open-ended questions. Instead of yes-or-no questions, try "Tell me about the game you played on your phone today" or "Tell me more about chatting with your friends online". These questions invite conversation.
Talk about the good and the bad. Ask what they enjoy online and who makes them feel safe. Also ask whether anyone has ever made them uncomfortable or pressured them. Safety conversations shouldn't only happen after something goes wrong.
Review your family's online rules often. Talk about what information stays private, what's okay to post, and what to do if someone asks for pictures or personal information. Clear expectations build confidence.
Remind them who their safe adults are. Make sure your child knows they can come to you or another trusted adult without getting in trouble for asking for help. If one adult doesn't listen, keep telling until someone does.
Keeping children safe online starts with us. Our job isn't to know every app or trend. Our job is to build trust, keep the conversation going, and remind our children they are never alone.
At the Children & Family Advocacy Center, these are the prevention messages we share with families and schools throughout the year. If your school or organization would like training or resources, we'd love to partner with you. And if you ever suspect child abuse, call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD (1-800-482-5964).