By Joshua Adams, Chief Creative Officer, Parent ProTech
This article reflects the viewpoints and experiences of the contributing individual(s) and/or organizations.
Content Warning(s): online sexual exploitation and abuse of children (OSEAC)
Safer Internet Day is here, and it’s time for each of us to step up to protect the next generation online.
The online world was not built with our kids in mind. Nearly a third of children report having negative experiences while on the internet. As you read this, it’s estimated that 50,000 predators are actively seeking out minors online. The numbers are harrowing, and the risks are real.
As our Parent ProTech team works in 200+ districts and schools across 17 states, we talk with many grieving parents, concerned leaders, and active students. We hear the stories of sextortion and shocking headlines, but we also hear stories of overcoming and teens charting a different path.
Real change takes all of us. From vocal parents to outspoken activists, to the former U.S. Surgeon General calling for warning labels on social media, awareness of tech risks is rising. The work of groups like the End OSEAC Coalition is essential to creating a safer online world, but a safer internet doesn’t end here. A safer internet isn’t just a policy issue, it’s a personal responsibility. It starts with how we use technology in our homes, schools, and communities.
A safer internet requires you. Mom of two in Cleveland? Yes, you. Educator in Atlanta? Yes, you. Single dad in Seattle? Yes, you.
It’s time to move from awareness to action.
5 Challenges for All of Us:
- Actions speak louder than words. What you do matters more than what you say. What’s your screen time? If we constantly check our devices during conversations or meals, we send a message that a screen is more important than relationships. Studies show that “phubbing” (phone snubbing), or ignoring people in favor of a screen, damages relationships and lowers trust. Model healthy habits, and those around you will notice.
Be intentional. Put your phone away. Make eye contact. Show that real-world relationships come first. - Prioritize active screen time over passive scrolling. Not all screen time is created equal. Think of screens like food: Active use (Duolingo, designing in Illustrator, FaceTiming family) is digital nutrition. Passive scrolling (endless TikTok/YouTube) is digital junk food.
The goal isn’t zero screen time, it’s balance. Cut down on the passive and maximize the active. - Set clear tech boundaries and expectations at home. Start with small but meaningful changes: no tech at the dinner table or in the bedroom. If devices are allowed in bedrooms, set a time when they are put away for the night.
You could even turn it into a family challenge. Instead of just restricting devices, make a “No Screens After 10 PM” rule that everyone follows, including parents. - Make tech use a shared experience, not a solo one. America is facing what experts have termed an “epidemic of loneliness,” and excessive screen time can further amplify our isolation.
Encourage social screen time over isolated use. Electronic sports (esports) teams, coding clubs, and content creation groups give kids a way to connect while building skills. Keep devices in shared home spaces, not hidden away in bedrooms. - Think before you share online. A single post can shape someone’s future. People have lost jobs, admissions offers, and friendships over past digital mistakes. Teach kids the “Grandma Rule.” If you wouldn’t want Grandma to see it, don’t post it. If it’s not something that needs to be shared publicly, think twice before sharing.
Before sharing a photo of your child, friend, or even spouse, ask: Would I be okay with this resurfacing years from now?
You are the First Line of Defense
The risks of tech addiction, exploitation, and abuse are higher than ever. As part of the End OSEAC Coalition’s mission to fight online sexual exploitation and abuse of children, we’re calling on you to stand with us in the line of defense.
Protecting kids online isn’t just about restrictions—it’s about engagement, education, and example. The digital world is here to stay. The question is: Will we shape it, or will it shape us?
