Research from 2023 shows that 60% of children encountered violent content on social media platforms, with nearly one in three exposed to videos involving weapons. A concerning 25% saw content promoting violence toward women and girls. On TikTok alone, nearly half of young users encountered violent material.
In this article, we will explore how exposure to such harmful content impacts young users and parents’ roles in guiding children’s digital experiences.
Why is online violence a growing concern for parents?
Mobile devices and social media platforms expose children to violent content. This can normalise aggression and lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Unfortunately, social media algorithms may promote violent content without children actively searching for it. This raises concerns among parents about the immediate and long-term effects on their children’s well-being and behaviour.
How does online violence affect children’s development?
Online violence can affect children’s development in several ways:
- Aggressive behaviour: Exposure to violent content through digital platforms can make aggression seem like a normal response to conflict.
- Mental health issues: Frequent exposure to virtual violence may heighten levels of anxiety and depression, and lead to desensitisation.
What are the types of online violence children might encounter?
Children might encounter various types of online violence. These include physical assaults, sexual violence, aggressive or threatening language, graphic imagery, bullying, violent gaming scenarios, and harmful challenges or re-enactments popularised on social media platforms.
What does violent content look like on social media?
Violent content on social media includes a range of harmful media and language that children might encounter, such as:
- Real-life physical assaults: Videos or images of people engaging in physical fights or using weapons against others. People often share these widely for shock value or entertainment.
- Sexual violence and harassment: Posts showing or referencing instances of sexual assault, harassment, or exploitation. Bystanders or perpetrators themselves sometimes share these.
- Graphic and disturbing imagery: Photos or videos depicting injuries, blood, or violent scenes that can be traumatising, especially to young viewers.
- Aggressive or hateful language: Online bullying, hate speech, threats, and cyberbullying in comment sections or direct messages. This can create a hostile digital environment.
- Violent gaming scenarios: Clips or live streams from video games with intense violence. This often features graphic depictions of harm that can confuse younger audiences.
Are news reports and world events a source of online violence?
News reports and world events can be a source of online violence. Social media platforms frequently share real-time footage of conflicts, tragedies, and disasters. These expose children to graphic and distressing scenes.
Constant exposure to such events can heighten anxiety and desensitise young viewers. It can also lead to a sense of helplessness, especially when violence appears widespread and unfiltered.
How can parents recognise signs of exposure to online violence?
Parents can start by observing changes in their child’s behaviour, mood, and daily interactions.
When children witness violent acts, whether real or simulated, they might start to view aggression as normal and may imitate what they see and hear.
Signs of exposure may include increased aggression, or emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression.
What steps can parents take to keep their children safe?
Parents can keep their children safe from online violence by setting clear boundaries around screen time and monitoring the types of content their children view.
- Set clear screen time limits and rules: Define boundaries around screen usage and monitor the content your child accesses. Discuss appropriate online behaviour, including the importance of not engaging in bullying.
- Use parental controls: Utilise parental controls and age-appropriate media ratings to restrict access to violent material.
- Engage with media together: Watch or play alongside your child to understand and discuss the content they encounter.
- Encourage open communication: Create a safe space for children to talk about what they see and experience online. This this builds trust and critical thinking.
- Discuss family values: Reinforce values like respect, kindness, and non-violence to help children process media content thoughtfully.
- Create a family media plan: Establish consistent guidelines for digital use. Update them as children grow and their needs change.
How do you empower your child to handle online violence?
To empower children to handle online violence, you could discuss the types of violent content they may encounter on the internet. Helping them identify it can make them more aware and prepared.
Teach kids to ask questions when they see violent content: Why was it created? Is it meant to shock or entertain? This approach can help them see through sensationalised content and reduces its emotional effect on them.
Help children build emotional awareness by guiding them to identify feelings like fear or anger. Using a feelings chart can assist in this process. Teach them coping techniques. Anger management strategies could help handle these emotions effectively.
Encourage open communication so they feel safe coming to you about disturbing content, and model positive conflict resolution. Finally, involve them in setting digital boundaries, as this empowers them to make safe choices online.
Start the conversation about online safety
Protecting your child from online violence can feel overwhelming, but every step you take is meaningful. Remember, you don’t need to shield them from everything. Instead, aim to equip them with the tools to use their online devices safely.
Trust in your role as a parent. Each conversation, boundary, and guidance helps them grow stronger, safer, and more confident.
