LEARN THE SIGNS OF ONLINE ABUSE.
The internet is a vast place with unlimited information about many subjects. As a result, it can be an enriching place for your child to connect, learn, and play. But using the internet can also put your child at risk for online abuse. At The Dragonfly House Children’s Advocacy Center, we know how prevalent online abuse is, and we want to help you keep your child safe online.
Online abuse refers to any type of mistreatment that happens over the internet. It can happen on any technological device connected to the internet, including mobile phones, tablets, and computers. It can also happen anywhere online, including:
Online chats
Social media
Emails
Messaging apps and text messages
Live-streaming sites
Your child could be at risk of online abuse from a stranger as well as people they know. The abuse may only happen online, or it may occur in combination with something happening offline, like grooming or bullying.
There are also many types of online abuse to be aware of, and they include sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, sexting, grooming, emotional abuse, and cyberbullying. Your child could be the victim of online abuse if they start spending an unusual amount of time online, begin seeming distant, are secretive about their online activities, or suddenly have tons of new messages on their mobile devices.
If you believe your child is the victim of online abuse, we offer the resources and services to help. For more information about our children’s advocacy center, contact us today.