The FBI, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, is issuing a national public safety alert regarding an explosion in incidents of children and teens being coerced into sending explicit images online and extorted for additional explicit material or money—a crime known as sextortion.| www.justice.gov
Learning to maintain healthy relationships is extremely important for teens that have begun to date. Teens in relationships should respect each other, handle disagreements calmly and peacefully, and should maintain other friendships and interests.| HealthyChildren.org
Ah, “the talk.” As uncomfortable as it can be, talking to your adolescent about sexuality is absolutely necessary. Here’s how to start the conversation, and keep it going.| HealthyChildren.org
Please click on any state to see what their sexting law and "revenge porn" law covers. Also, compare and contrast across states' specific details, sanctions, etc.| Cyberbullying Research Center
Teens may think they know all about today's media, but they may not know enough about viewing and interacting with media safely and wisely. As a parent, it is your job to talk with your teen about smart and safe media use.| HealthyChildren.org
Sextortion scams typically target teenagers, with devastating effects. Pretending to be around the victim's age and interested in a relationship, the online scammer sends an explicit photo and asks for one in return. If the victim sends one, the scammer then blackmails them. Here's what parents need to know.| HealthyChildren.org
With more kids than ever using cell phones and other digital devices to text, post, and chat, cyberbullying is a growing concern. But there are things parents can do to keep online socializing healthy for their children.| HealthyChildren.org
Roughly 18% of 8- to 12-year-olds and 62% of 13- 18-year-olds reported using social media sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Discord and Reddit every day in 2021. Among adolescents and young adults, an 90% use one or more social media platforms. You may wonder how social media may impact your child's mental health. Research suggests it depends on how they use it. Read on to learn more.| HealthyChildren.org
Deciding when to give your child their first phone can be tough for parents. Smartphones, in particular, offer a portal to the internet, apps and social media. You may not feel your child is ready for that much access to the digital world. Yet, you may want to get your child a phone for the basics: having a way to contact you when they’re traveling between school, after-school activities or different households. Here are tips to help you know if your child is ready.| HealthyChildren.org