Category: Online Safety for Kids

With children increasingly surrounded by the virtual world, their protection in cyberspace has never been so crucial. Cyberbullying, exposure to unseemly content, and possible online predators present an increasing dilemma for parents, educators, and policy makers alike.

A fine way to make them fully aware and at the same time share very important safety tips is through a carefully drafted press release. Professional PR services are employed in order to let organizations publish key information related to children’s internet safety, and to drive both engagement and action by the stakeholders who are concerned with the creation of a safer online environment for kids.

How Press Release Services Can Amplify Awareness for Children’s Internet Safety

Press Release Use in Child Internet Safety

Press releases are an effective method to communicate and raise the awareness of issues related to children’s online safety among the general public. Strategic distribution will let them loudly echo efforts towards online protection that could reach parents, educators, government bodies, and even most media outlets. This is why press releases can serve to be so effective in relating online protection to kids. First of all, it spreads the issue to a greater number of audiences.

Professional news wire services will allow your message to reach maximum visibility to an extended network of media contacts, blogs, and influencers. Whether you are announcing a new online safety initiative, an educational resource, or software designed to keep children safe while browsing, press releases are how you say what you want to the people you want.

PR Distribution will shine much-needed light onto pressing matters at hand that deal with children’s internet safety, such as online predators or rising issues with cyberbullying, and ensure key messages reach those in most need. 2. Create Action through Awareness

Press releases do not just spread information, but they also call for action. The organizations advocating online safety for kids can utilize them in creating awareness of new tools, applications, cyber safety policies, or educational campaigns intended towards equipping children with what it will take to protect them when browsing the internet.

For example, a press release regarding a new browser launched that limit harmful content, or one that promotes parental control features will help see to it that parents and educators quickly embrace the use of such tools, and therefore, safeguard children against all online threats.

• Building Authority and Trust

The reason organizations dedicated to children’s online safety have to establish authority and gain the trust of parents, educators, and policy makers. This would help set up periodic issuance of press releases regarding any new research, safety policies, or effective tools that would allow such an organization to establish credibility in thought leadership within the industry.

The regularity of press releases, meanwhile, actually conveys a great commitment to the cause of safe browsing for children and helps establish long-term public trust.

How to Take Advantage of Press Releases to Bring Awareness on Kids’ Online Safety

It is important therefore to consider some of the ways through which press releases can be effectively used to reach out to the right audience and address key concerns in children’s internet safety. How best can an organization therefore enhance its efforts at writing press releases?

• Timely Issues

Press releases dealing with urgent, timely issues, such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, or new online scams, are more apt to draw attention from the media and public. In positioning, organizations chalking up emerging threats position themselves as proactive leaders in online safety for kids.

For example, this may be a press release regarding the latest features for one of the popular parental control apps, which will create a download and use spree to help families better protect their kids online.

• Add Heft with Statistics

Using statistics and expert quotations in your press releases will make them more appealing. If you can provide figures on the proliferation of online threats or demonstrate solutions based on evidence from research, it lends an air of credibility to your message and a better chance that the story will be picked up by the media.

For instance, if the PR includes statistics of how many children are victims of online bullying or identity theft, it will strike a chord much stronger with parents and educators looking for tangible ways through which to keep kids safe on the Internet.

• Selecting Appropriate Media Outlets

Other major benefits of PR services are targeted audience reach. A PR related to the safety of children online needs to be distributed specifically to parenting blogs, educational platforms, and tech magazines so that it may reach the right people who could influence online safety policies or bring on safe browsing practices.

By positioning your PR with media that deal in kids’ online safety, you will do a better job at reaching out to parents, schools, and government agencies alike, all of which have put a premium on keeping kids safe.

How King Newswire Supports Children’s Internet Safety Initiatives

King Newswire provides PR distribution specifically aimed at helping in the dissemination of initiatives about keeping kids safe on the internet. Here is a look into how they can help spread your message:

• Vast Network of Media for Increased Reach

With King Newswire’s comprehensive network, rest assured that your PR will go out to major news outlets, parenting blogs, and online safety forums to make sure that one hears about your campaign on the safety of kids online. This can be from anything, from a new safe browsing tool to bringing awareness of the dangers children face online.

• SEO Optimization for Greater Online Impact

King Newswire will search engine optimize your PR to make sure your message appears when concerned parents, educators, and policymakers are searching for information about children’s internet safety. SEO-optimized press releases ensure maximum online visibility and drive organic traffic to your campaign.

• Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics

King Newswire will provide comprehensive reports stating the performance it achieved, who picked it up, and the level of engagement it enjoyed after distributing your press release. That insight will be irreplaceable in future campaigns where organizations want to measure the effect of their efforts regarding safe browsing among children.

Raising Awareness: Keeping kids safe online is one of the prime concerns in today’s connected world. Professional PR distribution services by organizations such as King Newswire will ensure that messaging on the safety of kids online reaches the desired audience for awareness and actions. A press release is one of the most powerful means of amplifying critical information that may help in safeguarding children’s digital experiences.

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “Please, please, please can we get a pet?” Your kids have begged for any kind of little creature to take care of — a dog, a cat, a hamster, a goldfish, or even that frog they managed to sneak indoors.  So far, you have managed to resist their pleas.

However, as your kids get older, you wonder whether teaching kids responsibility through pet ownership might be a good idea. Taking care of animals offers many growing opportunities, letting kids learn about the importance of commitment to the value of empathy and the power of grief beyond picture books. While family pets are good for kids for all these reasons and more, they are not always the right fit.

Think your family’s ready to take on a pet? Consider the following questions before deciding to bring a pet into the family home.

How Old Are Your Kids?

The younger your kids are when you get a family pet, the more the responsibility of caring for the pet will fall on your shoulders. What’s more, younger kids might struggle to treat pets appropriately, which can put them at risk of injuries like bites or scratches or else at risk of causing harm to the pet. For the most part, pediatricians warn against introducing a new pet before a child is about four years old.

Even if your kids are older, you may want to build up their responsibility and maturity before saddling your family with a pet. Consider creating chore charts for your kids so they can develop a habit of completing tasks around the house in preparation for regularly caring for a pet. If your kids dutifully complete their chores, they may truly be ready to take on a pet.

How Active Is Your Family?

Pets are living creatures that deserve respect and care. While different kinds of pets have different demands, all pets require some time and energy from their owners daily.

Your family might not have any time or energy to spare. If you have a demanding career, if your kids are engaged in all activities, or if you frequently travel, your family is likely too active to ensure that a pet receives the care and attention it needs. Unless you expect to radically change your family’s lifestyle to accommodate the pet, you need to think critically about every family member’s capacity before bringing a living creature into your home.

How Much Space Do You Have?

All animals need their area to relax and feel safe; some animals require more space and some less. Unfortunately, the fact is that larger homes tend to be better suited to the addition of pets, regardless of type, because they have square footage to spare.

As you are considering acquiring a pet, you should consider how much space you have to give your new family member. Smaller pets require less space to feel happy and secure, so they may fit in perfectly when a larger animal does not. If you don’t have room for a husky or a German shepherd, adopting small pets may suit you best.

Do You Have the Disposable Income?

There is no such thing as a free pet. Even if you are willing to keep that from your kids found as your family pet (which is certainly not recommended), you will be spending money on all manner of pet accouterments, from its enclosure to its food to regular veterinary care. Larger pets cost more per year than smaller pets, but any animal you bring into your family will add to your monthly expenses. You need to be sure that you can afford to pay for a pet before you commit to caring for it for the rest of its life.

What Kind of Pet Do You Want?

If all signs thus far point to yes, you have a final important decision to make: What kind of pet? You might already have a preference for a size or type of pet, but you and your kids should put some time into researching a variety of pet options to make sure you are selecting a friend that fits your family’s needs and interests.

If you are set on adopting a dog, you and your kids need to know everything about caring for a dog before it places a paw past your door.  You should get a sense of the appropriate breeds of dog for your family and what toys and types of activity they might enjoy. You might enroll in some training courses, to help little ones understand how to behave around dogs and to equip older members of your family with vital skills. For instance, you need to know how to perform dog CPR in case your furry friend chokes on something dangerous.

Then again, you might be open to starting smaller, with a pet more easily contained in a cage or terrarium. During the research phase, you should look into a range of low-effort pets, including exotic options like hermit crabs, chinchillas, or axolotls.

Your family might be ready for its first pet — or it might not. Before you give in to your child’s pleas, every member of your family should think long and hard about what it means to have a pet and whether everyone is ready for the changes a pet will bring.

About the Author
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in education, mental health, family lifestyle and online safety. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. You can follow her on Twitter.

Is Roblox Safe for Kids? Are you wondering if Roblox is a safe platform for your child? With over 70 million daily users, Roblox is one of the most popular gaming platforms worldwide. However, the platform’s openness to user-generated content can expose children to inappropriate material, cyberbullying, and online predators.

While many experiences on Roblox are safe and educational, there are risks that every parent should be aware of.

What is Roblox?

Roblox is an online gaming platform where users can create and play games designed by others. It’s a vast virtual playground that allows children to explore and interact with others, making it similar to games like Minecraft. Available on various devices, including smartphones, PCs, and gaming consoles, Roblox has become a favorite among kids, especially those under 13.

The key feature of Roblox is user-generated content. Players create their own games and share them with others, leading to a wide variety of experiences available on the platform. While this creativity is a positive aspect, it also means that not all content is appropriate for children.

The Risks of Letting Your Child Play Roblox

Letting your child play Roblox comes with certain risks. The biggest concerns include exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Some users create “condo” games that feature adult content such as violence, profanity, and sexual imagery. These games can be accessed by anyone on the platform, including children.

Cyberbullying is another major issue on Roblox. The platform’s chat features can expose children to harmful interactions with other users. Predators can also take advantage of these chat features to engage with children inappropriately, potentially leading them into private conversations on other platforms.

In addition, scammers and hackers pose significant risks on Roblox. They often target children to steal their virtual currency (Robux) or gain access to their accounts. Some scams involve phishing attempts, while others involve malware that can compromise a child’s device.

Does Roblox Have Age Limits?

Roblox includes age recommendations for all content on its platform. The age categories are:

• All ages: Suitable for everyone, with mild violence or unrealistic blood.
• 9+: Suitable for those aged nine and older, with mild violence or heavy unrealistic blood.
• 13+: Suitable for those aged 13 and older, with serious violence and small amounts of realistic blood.
• 17+: Suitable for players over the age of 17, including strong violence, realistic blood, and moderate crude humor.

However, Roblox does not enforce strict age verification checks. This means that a child can easily access content that may not be appropriate for their age, even if their account is set with a younger age.

How to Keep Your Child Safe on Roblox

Photo by Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com on Unsplash

Keeping your child safe on Roblox requires a proactive approach. Here are some important steps you can take:

1. Use Safe Gaming Tools:

Roblox has built-in parental control tools that allow parents to monitor their children’s in-game conversations. By reviewing chat histories, you can monitor your child’s interactions to ensure they are not being exposed to harmful content.

2. Protect Personal Information

Children often don’t realize the dangers of sharing personal information online. Teach your child never to share personal details, such as their real name or location, with strangers on Roblox. Additionally, consider using a VPN Chrome extension on their browser. This can protect their IP address and location, making it harder for predators to track their online activities. It’s an easy way to enhance your child’s privacy while they browse the web and play games.

3. Set Up a Parent PIN

A Parent PIN locks access to your child’s account settings. This prevents your child from changing privacy settings or making unauthorized purchases.

4. Enable “Allowed Experiences” Controls

Parents can manage the type of content their children can access by setting up Allowed Experiences controls. This feature allows you to block specific games or features based on your child’s age.

5. Monitor Voice Chat

Roblox’s proximity-based voice chat feature can expose children to inappropriate conversations. Ensure the console is in a communal area and consider a “no headphones” rule so you can hear what your child is exposed to during gameplay.

6. Use Antivirus Software

Protecting your devices with antivirus software adds another layer of security. Antivirus can prevent malware.

Robux and In-Game Purchases

Robux is Roblox’s in-game currency, and it can be used to purchase virtual items and upgrades. While Robux is optional, many children want to buy it to enhance their gaming experience. It’s essential to monitor spending and set parental controls to prevent unauthorized purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Roblox appropriate for my child?
Roblox can be appropriate for children if proper safety measures are in place. It’s important to monitor the games they play and set age-appropriate restrictions.

How can I control what my child sees on Roblox?
You can control what your child sees on Roblox by enabling Account Restrictions and Allowed Experiences controls.

What should I do if my child encounters inappropriate content?
If your child encounters inappropriate content, instruct them to report it immediately using the “Report Abuse” feature. You should also review their account settings and discuss the importance of online safety.

Can my child make real money on Roblox?
Yes, it’s possible for users 13 and older to earn money by creating popular games or items on Roblox. However, this requires significant effort and understanding of the platform.

Are there any built-in parental controls on Roblox?
Yes, Roblox has built-in parental controls that allow you to monitor and restrict your child’s interactions, spending, and access to content. These tools can help you ensure your child’s safety while playing the game.

Roblox can be a fun, educational, and creative platform for kids, but it’s essential to stay involved and monitor their activities. With the right precautions, you can help your child enjoy Roblox safely.

Teenagers worldwide are keen to establish a strong digital footprint and create an online reputation that unearths new opportunities.However, the internet always presents an element of risk and some teenagers can, inadvertently or not, take actions that lead to long-term reputational damage.

In addition, research indicates that 30% of children aged 8 to 12 want to become YouTubers, of whom many undertake steps to ‘make a name for themselves’ once they become old enough to manage their accounts.

With that in mind, we will explore the practical strategies that teenagers can employ to protect their online reputation, create a positive digital identity, and not risk jeopardizing their future career opportunities.

Sharing Content: How to Protect Your Online Reputation as a Teenager

Whether using social media or participating in online communities, your online identity will be shaped by the content you post and share. In many cases, a person’s digital identity can be very different from their real-world identity, with people maybe feeling more comfortable exploring interests and subjects online than they would offline.

This can result in new personas, using a different tone of voice or writing style, and being more open to alternative ideas and thinking.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with assuming a different personality online, but for teenagers, there are plenty of common mistakes that can put cracks in your future plans.

So, don’t worry, don’t visualize being fired because you posted a meme, and try to tailor your approach to sharing stuff online according to the following pillars:

‘Delete’ Won’t Fix Everything

If you post something slightly controversial, offensive or divisive online and wish to remove it, don’t think you can erase it from existence just like that. It only takes a second for someone to screenshot a post and save it so it can resurface later. And that’s not even starting about web scraping—using scripts to automatically download all the data from a site or profile.

Don’t Make It Easy for Your Identity to Be Stolen

As scary as it sounds, worst-case scenarios like posting compromising photos or writing to your boss aren’t things you should worry about when it comes to identity theft. Even someone buying a TV, console or bunch of clothes can burden you with anxiety, debt and issues with online accounts. To prevent this:

Respect the rules of proper password management, and ideally all your passwords together

Don’t overshare and keep your profiles private—this will give identity thieves less material to work with

Always wonder why is someone asking to know something; even if it’s a friend asking you online—make sure it’s really them

Avoid Arguments

When encountering people on the internet, a rule of thumb is that some of them might take things too seriously. And even though they won’t seem malicious at first, they can easily ‘explode’ when argued with and thus become ready for anything.

There have been numerous accounts of people getting swatted, doxxed or even stalked IRL because they simply argued with someone online. Even if it’s a Call of Duty lobby, think about how easy it is to connect your in-game ID to your identity. So, don’t take the bait and don’t feed the trolls.

Don’t Break Copyright Rules

Major names like WSB, Universal and just about any publisher live off of the intellectual properties (IPs) they own. What that means is—Marvel owns the rights to everything related to Captain America, whether it’s movies, TV shows, advertising, depictions, toys, etc, and no one can use it without their permission. If they do, the legal and financial consequences can be debilitating.

The same goes for smaller brands and creators, who can be even more litigious. In February 2024 alone, 767 total cases had been filed with the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). And things are poised to get even more hectic, as laws about using art and data to train AI models still don’t exist.

If you aren’t sure about that meme, share it with friends privately and don’t risk copyright strikes resulting in your profile getting deleted.

Assess Your Digital Footprint

Occasionally, it is always a good idea to type your name into search engines and see what comes up. If there is anything a little inappropriate or embarrassing then find the source and try to have it removed as soon as possible.

However, be careful before attempting to contact the perpetrator or site owner. It might be best to consult a parent, caretaker or lawyer in terms of your legal rights in this particular situation.

How Parents Can Help

As a parent, you’re probably reading all this and thinking ‘How can I help my child from making online missteps?’ Well, the answer is that you’re going to have to educate yourself, not just in terms of online etiquette, but in terms of more technical aspects of your child’s online lives:

• If your child spends time making online purchases, do some research on the sites and their security measures. Things like having PCI-compliant hosting for secure payments, encryption and similar protection are always a good sign. Likewise, a lack of transparency on these issues is concerning.

• Contact your internet service provider (ISP) about available parental control features. You’ll probably be able to block certain websites or at least restrict time spent on them. Likewise, think about monitoring apps for extra safety.

• Simply talk to your kids. We know it sounds daunting (and oftentimes, it really is), but showing your kids you understand and that your advice can provide value is an essential part in getting your point across. Otherwise, you’re in for an uphill battle.

As well as a teenager’s reputation, it is also crucial to make sure everything is being done to avoid them falling from online scams or being a victim of cybercrime. This is especially the case if your child uses websites that involve online payments.

As a parent, your role is to advise the child about the security of the site they’re joining. Once you find out the name, you can research whether the site gets pen tested regularly, and do they undergo regular vulnerability assessments or anything else that might provide tangible proof that your child won’t be the victim of a potential data link.

Tips for Establishing Positive Online Engagements

We’ve talked about what to avoid and be careful about, but what’s the magic formula for establishing a ‘positive’ online persona? Well, there’s no single trick, teenagers can add these tips to their online arsenal for better results:

• When using LinkedIn, you should do so with your future career in mind, building relevant connections and engaging in the right way. Ensure your profile indicates you’re a real person who knows how to present themselves online.

• You can’t mix business with pleasure. In the case of Instagram, your profile can’t feature both professional photography and videos of your mate doing kickflips on his skateboard. If you want to post both, create a separate profile.

• Always view new connections at potential sources of recommendations. People get asked to recommend someone for a product or service. And chances are, they will recommend someone pleasant and confident over someone who’s just pure brains. Be the former.

• Don’t hesitate to share your knowledge or passions. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people, whether it’s through vlogging, traditional blogging, streaming or something completely new and groundbreaking.

Conclusion

The internet can be a difficult space to navigate, especially for young people who may feel under pressure to join in with new trends or get involved with inappropriate discussions. Don’t feel FOMO—instead, think and analyze how leaving a permanent online trace can be perceived a couple of years from now.

From using social media safely to preventing unauthorized access to accounts, you’re responsible for securing your online identity, while also ensuring that any content you create or share won’t be an obstacle to your career aspirations.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.