Protecting Your Tween from the Dark Web: Why Checking Their Phone is Important

As parents, our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our children. In this age of technology, keeping our kids safe online can feel like an overwhelming task.

With cyberbullying, online predators, and the dark web lurking in the shadows, it’s crucial to stay vigilant.

One way to do that is by checking our tweens’ phones – a controversial topic among parents.

But in this blog post, we’ll explore why it’s important to check your tween’s phone and how to protect them from the dark web.

Five Reasons to Check Your Child’s Phone

The Risks of the Dark Web
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that is inaccessible through standard search engines. It’s a hotbed for illegal activity, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and child pornography. While your tween may not intentionally stumble upon the dark web, they could unknowingly access it through a link or via a friend’s phone. Checking your tween’s phone could help keep them away from the dark web and protect them from the dangers lurking there.
Cyberbullying and Online Predators
Cyberbullying is another major concern for parents. Bullies now have access to your tween’s inner circle 24/7, and the anonymity of the internet makes it easier for them to harass their victims. Meanwhile, online predators are constantly on the lookout for vulnerable children to manipulate and exploit. By keeping an eye on your tween’s phone, you’ll be better equipped to recognize any red flags and intervene before the situation escalates.
Building Trust with Your Tween
Of course, the idea of checking your tween’s phone may not sit well with them. After all, they’re striving for independence and autonomy while you’re trying to protect them. That’s why it’s important to have open and honest conversations with your tween about why you’re checking their phone. Explain that your goal is to keep them safe, not to invade their privacy. Use this as an opportunity to build trust and show them that you respect their boundaries.

How do I keep my teen (tween) safe online

How to Protect Your Tween Online
In addition to checking your tween’s phone, there are several other steps you can take to keep them safe online. First and foremost, make sure they understand basic internet safety rules, such as never sharing personal information online and being cautious about who they talk to. Consider using parental controls and limiting screen time to reduce the risk of exposure. Additionally, encourage your tween to speak up if they witness anything concerning online.
Keeping Up the Conversation
Finally, remember that keeping your tween safe online is an ongoing process. Even if you’ve established rules and safeguards, it’s important to continually check in with your tween and make sure they feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns. Additionally, stay informed about the latest internet trends and threats so you can adjust your strategies as needed.

How to handle finding disturbing things on your tween phone

At the end of the day, checking your tween’s phone is just one tool in your arsenal for keeping them safe online.

It’s not about snooping or controlling their every move, but rather about being proactive and staying aware of the risks they face on the internet.

By having open and honest conversations with your tween, setting clear boundaries, and staying informed about the latest online threats, you can help protect them from harm and ensure their online safety.

I just watched this new Lifetime Movie ‘Girl in the Video’ released in 2024, that recaps when a child meets the dark web.

Here are 10 things you should check on your child’s phone and how to do it:

Appropriate Content: Talk to your kids about what is appropriate and inappropriate content online, and why it’s important to steer clear of the dark areas of the web source.
Time Online: Always monitor your child’s time online, particularly younger children. Keep the computer in a central spot in the home where it’s easy to keep an eye on source.
Texts and Direct Messages: Check your kid’s devices, including reading texts and direct messages source.
Cyberbullying: Alerts you to cyberbullying and other dangerous activities. If your child is chatting with friends about illegal activities, suspicious behavior source.
Social Media Settings: Ensure your child’s social media settings are set to private to protect their personal information source.
Phone Finder Feature: A phone finder feature can be helpful in case your child loses the phone source.
School Rules: Check with your child’s school and make sure your child follows the school’s rules regarding phone usage source.
Downloaded Apps: Check the apps that your child has downloaded to ensure they are age-appropriate and safe source.
Usage Limits: Set usage limits for your child to prevent excessive use of the phone source.
Safe Browsing: Ensure that safe browsing features are activated on their phone’s web browser to protect them from harmful content source.