Our Kids Online: Porn, Predators and How to Keep Them Safe
Last night, after watching an interview with Liz Walker of Culture Reframed and Rob and Zareen of Hazardous Journey Productions, I decided to pay to view their new documentary (1:29:00). This documentary is a definite ‘must watch’ for anyone who works with, cares for or raises children.
Rob and Zareen refer to an “awareness gap” in the film and that is what I would like to address in this blog.
What kids view online today is very different prior to the release of the iPhone/smartphone in 2007.
Due to the accessibility, anonymity and affordability of pornography(free for kids), it is up to the parents to set the limits and boundaries. We are the parents and we are responsible for the safety of our kids.
Three myths arose from this documentary:
1. “Not my kid”
There seems to be a sense that if you are from a “good” family and have great kids that they will not watch pornography. It is not about if a child will view porn it is about when. I agree with their assertion that discussions about porn need to be started before 8 years of age. This is the time when many kids start using devices. All kids will be curious about sex and this curiosity will likely lead them to searching about sex online. Kids are biologically wired to be interested in sexuality and nudity.
2. “Porn never harmed me when I was a kid. It’s no big deal”
What kids view online today is very different prior to the release of the iPhone/smartphone in 2007. In the past, young people would seek out naked imagery in nude magazines. Today, they are seeing images that are degrading, objectifying and violent.
3. “If I make changes to my child’s online behaviours and interests, it will be WWIII”
Due to the accessibility, anonymity and affordability of pornography (free for kids), it is up to the parents to set the limits and boundaries. We are the parents and we are responsible for the safety of our kids. We pay the internet bill and it is our duty to protect our children. We won’ be popular but it is necessary to do the following:
a. Educate ourselves
b. Educate our kids
c. Use filters/monitoring APPs
d. Be aware of what kids are doing online
I encourage parents and educators to take the time to watch this provocative and thoughtful documentary ($6.99 Canadian)
To watch this video, go here https://vimeo.com/ondemand/ourkidsonline/408680592
To view their website, go here https://www.ourkidsonline.info/
Download our free resource Tips for Parents. And for more information or guidance, check out our courses How To Talk To Your Kids About Pornography and Creating a Culture of Childhood Protection in our Shop.
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