How Less Screen Time Doesn’t Mean Less Risk From OSAEC

One of the most common internet jokes that are half-meant that parents say nowadays is “It’s those damn phones!”, or in the Philippines, “Kaka-cellphone mo yan” to blame every decline in school performance, their children’s poor disposition, or even something as extreme as cyber abuse. So when a child gets abused online, the solution that parents usually make is to reduce their screen time. 

Although it does make sense statistically, less time online means fewer chances of interacting with potential abusers—it does not completely eliminate the chances of online abuse. Vulnerability to Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and other forms of online violence goes beyond screen time. This article does not discourage you from enacting stricter and more intentional screentime boundaries—but it explains how online usage of children is only amplifying what has already been happening offline. 

 

 

Offline Factors That Contribute To Vulnerability 

Social media apps have their own faults, yes. But what they do is mostly amplify what has already been happening offline. Emotional, social, and economic factors can contribute to abuse. 

Predators have an instinct for spotting children who are emotionally or socially vulnerable. Those who may be lonely or going through domestic challenges at home may seek out refuge on the internet. When they do, predators can reach out to them and provide comfort that the children could not get offline. 

Similarly, those who are more economically disadvantaged are more prone to fall for “get money quick” scams. They may offer to provide monetary compensation for something as quick as a private photo, a favor, or pieces of data that could later be used to exploit them even more. 

The factors cannot be changed overnight, but there are ways to enhance the protection of your children from cyber abuse. 

 

 

What To Do Beyond Reducing Screen Time

Establish open communication and trust

Trust and communication are key to preventing problems before they even happen. You can do this by constantly checking on your children about their daily experiences, reacting calmly if they share a mistake, and not turning it into a sermon, and framing rules as points of safety and not their punishment. 

Secure digital environment

By doing so, you may start by setting their accounts to private, establishing parental controls on their apps, turning off location sharing settings, and immediately blocking abusive or suspicious individuals online. 

Build digital literacy

In truth, even adults can lack digital literacy, which can also trickle down to their children. As a parent, it is your responsibility to help yourself and your child learn about the basics of digital literacy. Teaching them about the permanence of digital footprints could help guide their decisions, like not interacting with strangers and not giving them access to photos or other forms of media. 

Check warning signs 

A parent’s instinct is always strong, so watch out for sudden changes in device habits, their withdrawal from family and friends, drops in mood or school grades, and their overall disposition before and after spending time online. 

Safety requires work. These platforms only manifest what is already going on offline, so it is best to work on those alongside setting boundaries, such as less screen time. We work on spreading the word against  OSAEC in impoverished areas in Manila through our Stop Cybersex Crime: Awareness and Education Program. Donate today.