Episode #144. THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. Parenting Children in the Tech Age: Develop Skills for Conversations about Tech and Sex with Young Children, Conrad Townson, Project Paradigm, Expert in Child Safety and Exploitation

THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

Call to Action

We live in an era where 18-month-old infants can now navigate YouTube, and the digital landscape has become a playground as well as perilous for our children. In 2023, children as young as 6 years old are now viewing adult material, are being asked to share inappropriate material with each other and to strangers. Australia is a leading country in child exploitation because we think children are safe on-line, that it is happening overseas or to other people’s children. We need to arm ourselves with the knowledge and strategies to navigate this complex landscape. The stakes have never been higher, and the struggle is indeed real.

Conrad Townson, an expert in online child exploitation once said that it’s more likely your child has encountered inappropriate content than not. The best defence, then, is a good offense. Operate under the assumption that exposure is inevitable and take proactive steps to educate and safeguard. He emphasized that our understanding of child maltreatment needs to be updated to the current digital context. We discuss family tech plans, digital literacy bootcamps and tech zones to support parents. Exploitation is not just physical; it often occurs in the very devices we hand to our children.

The Unpleasant Reality: Online Child Exploitation

The topic of online child exploitation is undeniably unsettling, and we want to turn away. Unfortunately, we can’t as its urgency cannot be swept under the rug any longer. We're at a historical juncture where the risks for our children have been exponentially escalated. Digital platforms provide exploiters with unprecedented access to children, while parents are not aware. Being on-line is as dangerous as being off-line for young children. Conrad says: would you let your 8 yr old child walk in the city without a map? Become aware that smart phones, apps, games, all have messaging apps and children now know how to change timezones and passcodes.

The Stakes: Your Child's Brain and Well-being

Remember, the brain is malleable and is significantly shaped by experiences, particularly between the ages of 0-3 and 10-14. Excessive screen and inappropriate adult material during this time of brain development is changing the hormones in the brain and affecting their behaviour. Smoking cigarettes is safer for children. If the threat to emotional and cognitive development isn't alarming enough, consider the dark underbelly of the internet, filled with sextortion, pornography, and grooming, often unbeknownst to parents.

Time for Collective Action

So why are we, as a society, handing this Pandora's box to our children who are not yet equipped to deal with its ramifications? It's time for collective action. Childhood is fleeting; why are we so eager to accelerate it rather than savor its innocence and joys?
Ancient Wisdom
Let's look back to the wisdom of the ages for timeless advice that applies even in this digital world. Many ancient philosophies and cultural proverbs speak to the essence of guardianship—concepts that are incredibly relevant as we navigate the challenges of modern parenting. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." If you feel like you've been late in setting digital boundaries, remember that it's never too late to start. Take control now, establish the rules, and be consistent in enforcing them.

"It takes a village to raise a child. Don't underestimate the power of community. Connect with other parents, educators, and experts to share advice and strategies. There's strength in numbers, and collective wisdom can be your strongest ally.

In the wise words of Maya Angelou, "Do the best

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