Your child might be just a few feet away, curled up on the couch with a phone or tablet. It’s a reassuring feeling. They’re home and they’re safe.

But in today’s digital world, physical safety doesn’t always translate to digital safety. Online, children can be exposed to harmful content, subtle manipulation, and even predatory behavior —all while appearing “occupied” across the room.

Like many educators and health professionals, I feel a growing urgency to speak bluntly about what students are exposed to. The online world is not neutral. It’s a space where intentional design choices can impact students' mental health, identity, and well-being. As a result, parental involvement is a necessity.

What Platforms Don’t Want You to Know

Multiple investigations and internal whistleblower reports have revealed that some of the world’s most-used platforms—like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—are intentionally engineered to maximize user engagement, even when it comes at a cost to young users.

These companies have been shown to:

• Promote content that fuels anxiety and comparison
• Use algorithms that can lead children down harmful “rabbit holes”
• Prioritize profit over well-being, even when internal research raised red flags

This isn’t accidental; it’s by design.

And the risks extend beyond traditional social media. For example, Roblox, a platform popular with younger students and marketed as a safe, creative gaming space, has been linked to:

• Exposure to inappropriate or suggestive content
• Workarounds that allow explicit or unsafe chats
• Documented cases of grooming and predatory behavior

These examples have been in the news but we can assume that many other sites and apps have similar problems. 

Ways You Can Support Healthy Digital Lives

While these challenges may seem daunting, you are the most powerful influence on your children’s digital behavior. Here are four strategies to help protect and empower your child online:

Seek Balance, Not Escape
Excessive screen time can lead to sleep issues, reduced emotional regulation, and mental health struggles. But even without direct harm, time spent scrolling is time not spent on personal connection, creativity, or movement. Create “tech-free zones” (e.g., the dinner table, bedrooms) and set clear curfews for devices. Keep devices in common spaces for students in middle school and younger. Keep phones and computers out of bedrooms overnight. 

 Make Use of Built-In Device Management Apps
Modern devices come with strong parental controls, but they’re only effective when configured and actively managed. Set up the built-in device management app Screen Time (on iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android). You can limit new app installations, adjust app use limits and curfews, restrict communication, and filter content based on your child’s age and maturity. Set your student’s device passwords, reserve the right to check their device as needed, and do it. 

Be the Guide, Not Just the Gatekeeper
No software can replace a trusted adult. Apps can’t detect emotional distress, manipulative messaging, or low self-worth but you can. Talk regularly about what your child is seeing and feeling online. Remind your child that you’re their safe person, even if something goes wrong online.

Encourage Creation Over Consumption
Help your child see technology as a tool for building, not just scrolling. Active digital engagement boosts problem-solving, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Support projects like coding, video editing, mixing music, digital art and design, or writing. 

Let’s Build Digital Intelligence and Resilience

Working together, at AAS and home, we can help our students to become strong, thoughtful, and resilient digital citizens. If you have questions, need help setting up parental controls, or want to learn more, feel free to reach out to the tech department. Together, we can make sure our students thrive, online and off.
 

Brian Sullivan
ICT Manager