Child Safety Champion Email Course Thorn org<\/p>\n
The immersive nature of VR also heightens concerns about exposure to violent, sexual, or disturbing content, as it can feel more personal and immediate than traditional gaming. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence, I can now simply machine learn someone\u2019s profile and groom children at mass. AI can be exploited by malicious users to create realistic deepfakes or fake profiles that deceive and potentially groom vulnerable players.
\nIn the digital age, it is so much easier for young people to connect and form relationships with individuals they only know online. \u201cStranger danger\u201d is no longer a cut-and-dry piece of advice.
\nSome games have content that might upset you or you may see something that makes you feel upset. Game ratings are another source of support for you in making healthy choices to ensure you will have a good experience gaming. Remember to be aware and tell your parents or another trusted adult if you feel upset or uncomfortable about what someone is saying to you or sending you. Some of the people you might be playing with could be older than you.<\/p>\n
“This is a worthy mission and I feel good knowing that I can help Thorn use data and technology to protect kids.”RAJEN, SOFTWARE DEVELOPER IN ARLINGTON, VA These aren’t distant problems, they’re happening in our communities, and even in our homes. From grooming and sextortion to AI-generated deepfake nudes, the threats are real \u2014 but so are the solutions. This resource is 100% free to help parents and caregivers navigate digital safety conversations. \u201cAs both a parent and licensed therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how digital threats affect young people’s mental health.<\/p>\n
AI-powered algorithms are often used in games to enhance user engagement, which can lead to addictive behaviors, especially in children whose self-regulation skills are still developing. If online gaming disorder is suspected, seek the support of a licensed mental health practitioner with experience in treating this disorder. Boundaries may need to be re-established, but it\u2019s often more effective to gradually reduce gaming time and replace it with other engaging, real-world activities. When you ask a child to cut back, for example, they may get really agitated.
\nIf a stranger asks you to share a photo or to turn on your webcam, refuse. They don’t need to know your real name or any other personal information — they just need to find out how awesome you are at the game. And if a stranger asks you to share this information, say no. MFA includes biometrics (think face ID scans or fingerprint access), security keys, or apps that send you unique, one-time codes when you want to log on to an account. Before downloading any new gaming app on your device, make sure it\u2019s legitimate.<\/p>\n
If your gaming account is connected to other services (like Google or social media), or if you're logged in to their website, they can continue tracking what you're doing online. This kind of tracking is part of broader online profiling, which logs not only how you play, but also your general online preferences.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Safer Internet Day is a great reminder to make sure your kids are having fun and staying safe when playing video games online. Explore tech tools to help you find the right balance between engaging safeguards and building your child’s skills to use gaming features safely. Learn how to identify competition scams and get tips to help you stay safe online.<\/p>\n