As more aspects of daily life transition online, now is the time to discuss internet safety with kids and teens. In recognition of June as National Internet Safety Month, Lauren’s Kids, a South Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and helping survivors heal, is proud to offer various tools, actionable steps, and essential knowledge to keep kids and teens safe online.
By empowering parents, caregivers, and communities with resources, Lauren’s Kids Founder and CEO, former Florida State Senator Lauren Book — who has championed changes in Florida law combating digital exploitation and trafficking of private images — continues her unwavering mission to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
“National Internet Safety Month serves as a vital reminder for families to prioritize digital safety,” said Book — mom of two and child safety advocate. “As kids and teens spend more time online, so do those who wish to harm them. According to the FBI, 1 in 5 children who touch a digital device will be sexually solicited online – so it’s our responsibility as safe adults to have regular and routine age-appropriate digital safety conversations.”
Digital safety education empowers families and caregivers to understand online dynamics, identify risks, and recognize warning signs. Online predators often exploit digital platforms to target unsuspecting children and teens. The rise of sextortion – a growing online threat claiming the lives of pre-teen boys across the country –underscores the urgency and need for vigilance, as predators can operate through any internet-capable device, including deactivated phones, gaming systems, and Wi-Fi-enabled tablets. Even seemingly child- and teen-friendly platforms like YouTube Kids, Roblox, Fortnite, TikTok, and Snapchat can expose children to inappropriate content and threats, as strangers may use these spaces to communicate under false identities – building, then exploiting, children’s trust and curiosity.
“Enabling safety settings will only take us so far,” continued Book. “By educating ourselves and fostering open conversations — including being a safe place when our children inevitably make mistakes — we can better protect our kids from the dangers in the digital world. The time is now to address online safety in your home.”
As more aspects of daily life transition online, now is the time to discuss internet safety with kids and teens. In recognition of June as National Internet Safety Month, Lauren’s Kids, a South Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and helping survivors heal, is proud to offer various tools, actionable steps, and essential knowledge to keep kids and teens safe online. By empowering parents, caregivers, and communities with resources, Lauren’s Kids Founder and CEO, former Florida State Senator Lauren Book — who has championed changes in Florida law combating digital exploitation and trafficking of private images — continues her unwavering mission to protect children from abuse and exploitation. “National Internet Safety Month serves as a vital reminder for families to prioritize digital safety,” said Book — mom of two and child safety advocate. “As kids and teens spend more time online, so do those who wish to harm them. According to the FBI, 1 in 5 children who touch a digital device will be sexually solicited online – so it’s our responsibility as safe adults to have regular and routine age-appropriate digital safety conversations.” Digital safety education empowers families and caregivers to understand online dynamics, identify risks, and recognize warning signs. Online predators often exploit digital platforms to target unsuspecting children and teens. The rise of sextortion – a growing online threat claiming the lives of pre-teen boys across the country –underscores the urgency and need for vigilance, as predators can operate through any internet-capable device, including deactivated phones, gaming systems, and Wi-Fi-enabled tablets. Even seemingly child- and teen-friendly platforms like YouTube Kids, Roblox, Fortnite, TikTok, and Snapchat can expose children to inappropriate content and threats, as strangers may use these spaces to communicate under false identities – building, then exploiting, children’s trust and curiosity. “Enabling safety settings will only take us so far,” continued Book. “By educating ourselves and fostering open conversations — including being a safe place when our children inevitably make mistakes — we can better protect our kids from the dangers in the digital world. The time is now to address online safety in your home.”
