13.4 Million Websites hosting Child Sexual Abuse Material in 2021!
In our fast-paced digital world, nothing is more paramount than ensuring our children’s online safety. Are your kids safe when on the internet? With kids spending increasing hours glued to screens, being in the know about potential digital dangers is an absolute must. In this engaging guide, we’re diving deep into some of the major concerns in the realm of internet safety: cybercrimes, the sneaky world of malware and the pesky problem of inappropriate pop-ups.
Absurd Cybercrime rate
According to a 2021 report by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), there were 21,147 reports of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) uploaded to the internet in the United States. This is an increase of 27% from the previous year. The NCMEC also reported that there were 17,811 reports of online enticement of children in 2021. This is an increase of 41% from the previous year.
A 2022 report by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) found that there were 245,179,259 CSAM images and videos reported to the IWF in 2021. This is an increase of 63% from the previous year. The IWF also reported that there were 13.4 million websites hosting CSAM in 2021. This is an increase of 13% from the previous year.
These statistics show that the number of crimes targeted to kids on the internet is increasing. It is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to protect your children online.
Defending Against Digital Invaders (Malware)
Malware, like the unseen ninja of the internet, can sneak into your child’s devices through shady downloads, email attachments, or dodgy links. It’s time to school your little warriors on the importance of downloading apps, files, and attachments only from trusted sources. Think of antivirus software as your family’s digital fortress. Install it and keep it up-to-date to guard against these digital invaders.
Tell your young apprentices about the different types of malware – the viruses, the spyware, and the ransomware. Explain how they’re like the trolls hiding under the internet bridge, waiting to pounce. Let your kids know that a malware attack can mean losing precious data or even identity theft. Teach them to be internet detectives, always vigilant and never too quick to click on those mysterious links.
Pop-Up Predicaments
Then there are those troublesome pop-up ads, like digital pranksters who sneak in unsuitable content and scams. Your mission is to equip your youngsters with the skills to spot and dodge these online hooligans. Suggest they put on their “ad-blocker capes” by installing ad-blocker extensions in their browsers. These will help keep those unwanted ads at bay. And teach them the art of safe surfing – don’t click on anything that looks fishy!
Here are some tips for protecting your children online:
- Talk to your children about the dangers of the internet and how to stay safe.
- Set rules for your children’s internet use.
- Monitor your children’s online activity.
- Use parental controls on your computer and mobile devices.
- Teach your children how to spot and report online predators.
By turning online safety into an engaging quest, your children will not only stay secure but also become savvy digital defenders of the future.
Thank you for taking time to peruse through all this guide. We hope that you will make great use of the knowledge and alert fellow parents too.
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