The internet has become an integral part of modern life, simplifying processes, driving business growth, and enabling earning opportunities. Adults often spend their entire day online, consuming diverse content. Children are no exception, dedicating their free time to the internet. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns about the need to limit young people’s internet usage due to various dangers, including hidden risks.
It is important to understand the reasons behind imposing restrictions on website access and utilizing specialized software that blocks certain types of content, significantly reducing children’s time spent online.
#1 Negative Impact on Vision
Continuous screen exposure from PCs and mobile devices adversely affects children’s eyesight. Failing to set limits can lead to vision impairments within just 1-2 years, making it difficult for them to discern objects in close proximity. This can result in a range of problems with negative consequences. While corrective glasses can address vision issues, not all children are comfortable wearing them. Many feel self-conscious, and their peers may tease them, affecting their mood.
Minimizing internet content consumption is crucial, ideally limiting it to one hour per day. During the rest of the time, parents should supervise their children, encouraging them to engage in sports or actively pursue additional subjects, focusing on tasks that enhance logic, memory, and attentiveness. Taking children outdoors more frequently for walks and playtime helps them socialize with peers and develop increased levels of activity, boosting immunity and positively affecting their mental well-being.
#2 Unapproved Online Purchases
Media frequently reports incidents where people receive deliveries of furniture, gaming consoles, or even pizzas without having placed any orders themselves. Investigation often reveals that the purchases were made by children. However, returning items is not always possible without incurring additional expenses. Online shopping has made the purchasing process convenient, even for children. Credit card information can be obtained by simply photographing it on a smartphone when parents are temporarily absent. Subsequently, children can use this information to order sweets, toys, or expensive gadgets worth thousands of euros. Moreover, many individuals save payment details on their devices.
Certain items can even be acquired in installments without an initial payment. Parents may discover these purchases only when it is too late to return the phone or gaming console.
#3 Accessing Dangerous Websites
Not all online content is safe for children. Some resources require age verification, but rarely is an actual ID check required. Merely clicking on 1-2 buttons can grant unrestricted access to erotic films or gambling activities. However, such content is not the most alarming. The internet also harbors more harmful videos that have a severely negative impact on children’s mental well-being. These videos may involve suicide, bullying, drug use, offensive language, and more. Children may easily perceive such content as normal and may engage in irreversible actions, bullying their peers, younger siblings, or animals. There is a high risk of teenagers joining closed suicide clubs or cults. It is better to proactively restrict access to such content to prevent potential problems.
#4 Interaction with Scammers
Children and teenagers are the most vulnerable targets for scammers. They are easily deceived, intimidated, and coerced into taking certain actions. Consequently, law enforcement deals with numerous cases where significant sums have been extorted from minors. Children themselves may transfer thousands of euros to criminals’ accounts, having stolen their parents’ credit cards.
Additionally, scammers can exploit children and teenagers as couriers for illegal substances. They place advertisements, attract minors, and subsequently reward them without risking their own freedom. Police can apprehend teenagers at any time, leading to serious legal consequences. Scammers may also entice children into recording intimate videos for a small fee. Such content is popular among certain individuals. Furthermore, pedoph.