How to Keep Your Children Safe OnlineIt's important to talk to kids about social media risks and drug abuse because both can lead to harmful results, especially when combined. Kids need to learn about the dangers of buying things through social media, especially drugs. They also need to realize that those they meet through social media are not likely to be who they seem. But more importantly, they must know where to get help if they need it and how to protect themselves better.Drug Dealers Targeting Kids on Social Media Unfortunately, countless drug dealers are reaching kids on social media, such as Snapchat, using a cryptic code of emojis with tragic results. Federal investigators are warning parents about social media's role in assisting youths in getting their hands on dangerous drugs, mainly fentanyl.Investigators are increasingly finding more and more online tools, from cute emojis to games, that drug dealers are using to target kids. Although social media can be an excellent way for kids to stay connected with their friends, it can also be dangerous. Kids need to be aware of the risks of meeting strangers online and sharing personal information. Drug dealing on social media has also become a considerable risk for kids, sometimes with fatal consequences.Fentanyl Youth Fatalities Are on the RiseAlthough studies show that overdose deaths surged in the first half of 2021, the expected numbers for 2022 are much grimmer. According to a recent Guardian analysis of federal data, youth under 24 years of age have been the hardest-hit victims of the fentanyl influx into our country, with drug deaths up by 50% in that age group.Pills made to look like Oxycontin, Percocet, Xanax, or Adderall, laced with illicit fentanyl, are readily available on social media platforms. Although Instagram says it does not allow the buying and selling of drugs on its platform, a recent report from the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) found an actual "drug pipeline" in which kids are able to find drugs with just a few clicks.Although purchasing drugs is one of the most talked-about risks for kids on the internet right now, it is not the only threat. Here are some examples of the risks associated with social media for kids:Addiction and Overdose: CDC warned the public in late 2021 of a significant spike of drug overdoses on young people, driven by fentanyl often mixed into counterfeit pills. Teenagers are buying deadly drugs on social media, mistaking them for pharmaceutical-grade drugs.Cyberbullying: According to dosomething.org, 71 percent of students have been cyberbullied, and 34 percent have cyberbullied someone else. Cyberbullying can be highly damaging to kids' mental health and self-esteem. Predators: Predators use social media platforms to target kids for sexual exploitation and kidnapping. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in five children who use social media will be contacted by a predator. Inappropriate content: Kids can easily stumble across inappropriate content on social media, including pornography, violence, and drug use. Internet addiction: Kids can develop an unhealthy obsession with online life and spend too much time on social media instead of interacting with people in the real world, which may lead to anti-social personality disorder, anxiety, and extreme depression.Identity theft or fraud: Kids can reveal too much personal information online, putting themselves and their loved ones at risk for identity theft and other types of crimes and fraud. Drug Dealers Have Invaded Our Homes Drug dealers are targeting our kids and robbing them of their lives via social media, and we are not doing enough to stop them. Tragically, we have now been introduced to a world where thousands of parents are losing children to fentanyl pills. Even more troubling is the cartels have found the perfect drug delivery tool – social media. Drugs are coming from China and Mexico at a rate never before seen. There is easy access to drug sales on apps such as Reddit, Snapchat, and Instagram, and an unimaginable number of kids are dying right before our eyes. Snapchat has disclosed new efforts to battle drug dealing. Efforts are being made as drug-related deaths among U.S. high school and college-aged youth are exploding. The company announced an immediate improvement on automated drug detection systems, enhanced partnerships with law enforcement agencies, and a brand-new portal educating users on the risks of drugs.How To Protect Your Kids from the InternetIt is essential to talk to your kids about internet safety and the dangers of using it. You should also make sure that you know what your kids are searching online. Monitor their activities and talk to them about what they are doing on the internet. Be open and honest with them and let them know that you are there to help them if they ever encounter a problem while online.With drugs being so accessible, you may feel overwhelmed to keep your young loved ones safe. Here are some ways that can help:Help your child feel connected to you by keeping an open line of communication. Let them tell you about their friends, what's happening in school, or what they feel. Try being more receptive and less judgmental.Ensure they know how much danger there is in buying drugs online.Being a parent is a tremendous responsibility that continues to be increasingly challenging. Being in constant communication with your child's friends and teachers can help you keep up with what they're doing while preventing any problems before they arise!Please share the news of kids their age overdosing after trying one single pill for the first time.Be aware of payments they might be making to unknown vendors.Monitor delivered packages. Drugs are often sent in unmarked and discreet packages.With so many dangers at your child’s fingertips, it is almost impossible to ensure their absolute safety. Social media has made illicit drugs more accessible than ever and dealers have a total disregard for someone’s age, ability to make decisions, or wellbeing. One of the most important things you can do is educate yourself on what’s going on in the world and your child’s life while maintaining a good relationship with them. Reviewed by Clare Waismann, Registered Addiction Specialist (RAS), Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC), founder of Waismann Method® Advanced Treatment for Opiate DependenceClare Waismann is an authority and expert on opioid dependence, opioid use disorder, substance dependence, detoxification treatments, and detox recovery.
from Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Recovery News | Resources – The Fix https://ift.tt/aOrpVMK
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment