In the midst of a holiday season marked by record-breaking spending, the gift of Internet-enabled devices is poised to dominate households across America. However, as the allure of tablets, phones, wearables, and game consoles brightens the eyes of children, a shadow of potential online threats looms. The surge in online exploitation cases involving vulnerable children has prompted a stark warning from Raven, a dedicated organization safeguarding children from victimization.
John Pizzuro, CEO of Raven and former Commander of the NJ Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, emphasizes the need for parents to understand the risks associated with online activities. “Devices make really fun gifts, but it’s important that parents know how to protect their kids online, and that means putting some guardrails in place,” he advises.
Before gifting an Internet-enabled device this holiday season, consider these three essential tips to ensure your child’s safety:
Raven, a 501(c)4 organization, stands as a bulwark against online child exploitation. Founded by the nation’s leading child exploitation investigators, the organization brings together retired ICAC Commanders, sex offender treatment providers, technology innovators, and policy experts. Raven is committed to leveraging years of law enforcement experience to protect children by raising awareness, increasing resources for law enforcement, and advocating for policy changes at local and federal levels. As the digital landscape evolves, so must our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the next generation online.