Charlotte, North Carolina, December 25, 2025
As families celebrate Christmas, experts stress the importance of discussing online safety before children use new electronic devices. With the rise in screen time during the festive season, conversations between parents and children are vital to navigate digital risks like cyberbullying and inappropriate content. Experts recommend active engagement, setting parental controls, and maintaining ongoing dialogue to foster a safe online environment. This proactive approach not only ensures children are equipped to handle online challenges but also supports their overall digital well-being.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Families Urged to Prioritize Online Safety Amidst Christmas Device Gifts
As families across the nation celebrate Christmas, the widespread gifting of new electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and gaming systems, has brought an urgent call for parents and caregivers to initiate crucial conversations about online safety. Child advocacy experts emphasize that these discussions should occur before devices are even powered on, to equip children with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely.
The festive season often brings excitement and increased screen time, but also amplified risks in the digital realm. Experts in Charlotte, North Carolina, highlight the importance of proactive measures to mitigate dangers such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and interactions with online predators.
The Imperative of Early and Ongoing Dialogue
Authorities and child advocacy organizations underscore that the most effective defense against online risks is consistent and open communication between parents and children. Starting these conversations early and maintaining them regularly helps foster an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and any concerns without fear of judgment. Instead of a single “big talk,” integrating casual discussions about digital citizenship into everyday routines is recommended. This approach ensures children know they can turn to a trusted adult if something online makes them feel uncomfortable or worried.
Beyond conversations, actively engaging with a child’s online world is vital. Parents are encouraged to show genuine interest in the games their children play and the people they chat with.
Implementing Robust Parental Controls and Privacy Settings
Alongside open dialogue, the technical setup of new devices is a critical step in ensuring digital safety Nationwide. Before gifting a new device, parents should proactively configure parental controls, adjust privacy settings, and enable security features. These measures can help manage various aspects of a child’s online experience, including:
- Setting limits on screen time.
- Restricting the download of new applications and managing in-app purchases.
- Applying content filters to block access to upsetting or inappropriate material.
- Disabling or carefully monitoring location-sharing features.
- Turning off functionalities in online games that allow interaction with strangers, limiting communication to known friends and family.
Additionally, strong foundational security practices should be implemented, such as setting robust PINs or passcodes, enabling biometric authentication like Face ID or fingerprint recognition, and activating device tracking features like ‘Find My iPhone’ or ‘Find My Device’. It is also crucial to install the latest software and app updates, preferably setting devices to auto-update, and to change any default passwords immediately. Parents should also prioritize securing email accounts and enabling two-step verification (2SV) for all accounts.
Navigating Common Online Risks and Their Impact
The integration of technology into daily life presents various challenges, particularly for younger users. Research indicates that children who acquire smartphones by age 12 face increased risks of developing mental health issues, including depression and insufficient sleep, and are more prone to obesity. The constant exposure to online content can lead to reduced physical activity and hinder social interactions crucial for development.
Online predators are a significant concern, often exploiting apps designed for children to connect and play games. Furthermore, older children and teenagers may experience pressure to share intimate images online, with experts cautioning that once an image is shared, controlling its spread becomes nearly impossible. Misinformation is also prevalent, and teens frequently encounter misleading content, underscoring the need for critical thinking and media literacy skills. Algorithms on social media platforms can create “filter bubbles,” potentially exposing children to content that is unsuitable or reinforces a narrow worldview.
Fostering Healthy Digital Habits and Support Systems
To cultivate a healthy digital environment, families are encouraged to create a family technology agreement, establishing clear boundaries and expectations for device usage and online behavior. Parents should also model responsible digital habits, managing their own screen time and demonstrating appropriate online conduct. Designating tech-free zones and establishing routines that exclude screen time before bed can also contribute to better sleep hygiene and overall well-being.
Should a child experience an inappropriate online interaction or share an image, experts emphasize the importance of responding without shame or punishment. Caregivers should focus on supporting the child, keeping them safe and informed. Resources such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline are available to report suspected exploitation or inappropriate content. The Internet Watch Foundation also offers resources like ‘Think Before You Share’ to help children deal with pressure to share images. The overarching message remains that while new devices offer opportunities for learning and connection, the gift of confidence and skills to use technology safely is the most enduring present a family can give.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary concern for families receiving new electronic devices this Christmas?
The primary concern is the urgent need for families to initiate crucial conversations about online safety and digital well-being before new devices like smartphones, tablets, and gaming systems are powered on.
What types of risks are associated with children using new smart devices?
Children using new smart devices face risks such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, interactions with online predators, online scams, and the pressure to share personal images. There are also increased risks of mental health issues like depression and insufficient sleep, and obesity, for children who have smartphones by age 12.
How important is communication between parents and children regarding online safety?
Communication is paramount. Experts emphasize starting online safety conversations early and maintaining them regularly, fostering an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences without shame. Casual, everyday chats are considered more effective than singular “big talks.”
What parental controls should be considered for new devices?
Parents should utilize various parental controls and security features, including managing screen time, restricting app downloads and in-app purchases, applying content filters, disabling location sharing, and controlling interactions with strangers in online games. Proactive setup before gifting, such as setting strong passcodes and enabling biometric authentication, is also recommended.
What steps can parents take if a child has an inappropriate online interaction?
If a child experiences an inappropriate online interaction or shares an image, caregivers should respond without shame or punishment, focusing on the child’s safety and providing support. Resources like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline are available to report suspected exploitation or inappropriate content.
Key Features for Enhancing Online Safety
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Open Communication | Regular, non-judgmental conversations about online activities, fostering trust and encouraging children to report concerns. | Nationwide |
| Parental Controls | Software and settings to manage screen time, content access, app downloads, and in-app purchases. | Nationwide |
| Privacy Settings | Adjusting device and app settings to limit personal data sharing, such as location information and public profiles. | Nationwide |
| Secure Device Setup | Implementing strong passcodes, biometric authentication, enabling tracking features, and installing software updates before use. | Nationwide |
| Family Technology Agreement | A collaboratively created document outlining rules, boundaries, and responsibilities for device usage within the family. | Nationwide |
| Modeling Behavior | Parents demonstrating healthy digital habits, including responsible screen time management and online conduct. | Nationwide |
| CyberTipline/Support Resources | Availability of national resources like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline for reporting inappropriate online interactions or content. | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arrests Made in Tragic Child Abuse Case in Charlotte
Sycamore Brewing Faces Crisis After Child Rape Charges Against Co-Founder
Englewood Teen Dies in Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Port Charlotte
Mecklenburg County Virtual Court Hearing Hijacking Investigated
Former Brewery Co-Owner Faces New Felony Charges in Child Exploitation Case
Transformative Developments Shape Charlotte’s Future
Gastonia Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Minor
Sycamore Brewing’s Airport Taproom to Transition Following Felony Charges
Charlotte Brewery Co-Owner Faces New Child Assault Charges
Sycamore Brewing Faces Uncertain Future Amid Felony Charges
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
