For parents and caregivers navigating the onlife world with their children, hearing about the risks on social media can often feel overwhelming. Many of these warnings come from well-intentioned sources like police officers, who frequently highlight the dangers of the online world. But have you ever wondered why it’s more common to hear these “danger” stories rather than positive ones?
Police officers spend a significant portion of their careers responding to crises and handling situations where things have gone wrong. Their job often puts them in contact with individuals who have been harmed or exploited through social media, whether it’s cases of cyberbullying, online predators, scams, or inappropriate content. This exposure can sometimes lead to a skewed perspective where they see social media primarily as a place of potential danger, rather than as a tool with positive potential.
From their viewpoint, it’s understandable why police officers might focus on prevention and caution when talking to parents. By sharing the worst-case scenarios, officers aim to help families avoid becoming victims. While their advice comes from a place of genuine concern, it’s important to remember that not every child’s online experience will mirror the cases officers see.
Yes, in most cases being a police officer does bring instant credibility and authority, especially in community presentations on safety. This credibility opens doors, allowing officers to reach a broad audience of parents, educators, and students who may see their message as especially trustworthy due to their experience in law enforcement.
However, this credibility comes with responsibility. With a receptive audience eager to learn, it’s crucial that the message shared is balanced and grounded in evidence, rather than solely focused on fear-based narratives. Officers must ensure they aren’t unintentionally contributing to an overly juvenoic negative view of social media, which can lead to undue fear among parents and youth. It’s important for families to recognize the potential dangers without overshadowing the many positive and constructive ways social media can be used if done in an age-appropriate manner, with age-appropriate technology, combined with parental participation, communication, and where needed parental oversight.
Darren, with 30 years of experience in law enforcement, spent much of his career approaching digital literacy and internet safety through this high-alert, risk-focused perspective – been there done that! He, too, emphasized the potential dangers to parents and students because, as a police officer, he regularly witnessed the harm that online threats could inflict on “some” youth and adults.
However, Darren’s approach evolved after he retired. No longer viewing these issues solely through the lens of law enforcement, he developed a more balanced perspective, recognizing that social media could also offer opportunities for growth, connection, and education – something that he learned from the hundreds of thousands of teens that he has presented to. This shift allowed him to appreciate many of the positive aspects of social media without downplaying the risks. His past background as a police officer and now a civilian online investigator, though, still brings an invaluable perspective – his firsthand experience with the negative side of social media provides a depth of insight that presenters without such a background may lack. Darren’s approach now combines this real-world knowledge with a more balanced open-minded view, based on the good evidence-based research, aiming to help parents and youth understand both the negative and positive sides of the onlife world.
Law enforcement professionals carry a strong sense of duty to protect the public – without doubt, a noble cause! However, this can sometimes lead to a heightened focus on “what could go wrong.” When speaking to parents, police officers aim to give a clear sense of the risks so that families can make informed decisions about social media use – a “proper preplanning prevents poor performance” approach to online safety.
In their minds, stressing the risks is a form of preventive education – officers hope that by knowing the dangers, parents, caregivers, and educators will be more vigilant and proactive in supervising their kids’ online interactions. However, this approach can inadvertently create a sense of fear, causing some parents, caregivers, educators, and teens to overlook the potential benefits of social media for entertainment, communication, socialization, learning, and self-expression.
It’s often easier to identify and describe specific dangers than to discuss positive, more abstract benefits. For example, it’s straightforward to discuss how online predators operate, how cyberbullying manifests, or how sexting can lead to legal challenges. These threats are tangible, easy to illustrate with examples, and they leave an impact. On the other hand, benefits like building friendships, developing digital literacy skills, or fostering creativity are harder to quantify, given that police officers aren’t necessarily trained or experienced this these areas, and therefore may feel less pressing to highlight.
Talking about positive social media experiences requires nuance, context, and, often, a level of digital literacy that goes beyond understanding online criminal behaviors. It’s just a fact that many police officers, trained specifically to recognize and respond to online risks, may not have the same background or resources to focus on the positives of digital engagement.
Over the past decade, parents have understandably grown increasingly concerned about online safety, and police departments have responded with more resources and programs focused on digital dangers. This demand shapes the content and focus of police presentations, encouraging officers to emphasize the risks as a primary area of concern.
Unfortunately, this often means the positive potential of social media isn’t addressed as thoroughly as it should be. It’s vital for parents to realize that social media isn’t just a risk-filled minefield – it also provides unique learning, networking, and self-discovery opportunities for kids and teens when approached through the balanced lens of digital literacy education that is parent and caregiver led.
Click-bait media coverage of online risks tends to focus on high-profile negative incidents, which shapes the public’s perception of social media as a risky environment. Police officers, influenced by these narratives, might feel obligated to emphasize safety above all else to reflect the community’s concerns. This can lead to a one-sided view of social media that unintentionally overlooks the many ways kids are using these platforms positively – something Darren freely admits he did while he was still in policing.
A police officer’s focus on risks stems from a protective instinct and a strong sense of duty, but for parents and caregivers, balancing caution with encouragement will help youth make the most of social media in a positive, safer way. Darren’s journey from risk-based warnings to a balanced approach offers a model for this, blending critical insights from law enforcement with an appreciation for the good social media can bring. By focusing on both the dangers and the potential, you can guide your child in developing a healthy, informed, and rewarding relationship with the digital world.
The purpose of this article is to underscore the importance of a balanced approach to discussing social media risks with parents. Police officers often emphasize the dangers due to their firsthand experiences with cases where social media has led to harm. While this perspective is rooted in genuine concern, and should not be ignored, it’s essential for parents to understand that not all online experiences mirror these worst-case scenarios. Darren’s journey from a risk-focused view to a more nuanced, balanced approach highlights the value of combining awareness of dangers with an appreciation for the positive potential of social media. By focusing on both risks and benefits, parents can help their children navigate the digital world safely and confidently, promoting a healthy and informed relationship with technology.
Darren’s shift from a solely risk-based perspective to a balanced viewpoint came after 30 years of working in law enforcement, where he routinely saw the negative impacts of social media. His experience as a police officer naturally led him to emphasize caution and prevention, as he frequently encountered cases of exploitation, cyberbullying, and other online dangers. This emphasis is common among officers, who often feel a duty to protect the community by warning about the dangers they see daily.
However, once Darren retired and stepped outside the law enforcement lens, he began to see social media through a broader, more nuanced perspective. He recognized that while there are risks, there are also many positive opportunities for youth online. Social media can be a place for building friendships, self-expression, learning, and developing digital skills. This balanced approach allows him to address both sides of the “onlife” world with credibility and realism, helping parents and young people navigate the digital space without undue fear.
Parents, educators, and communities often feel reassured by the authority and experience that law enforcement professionals bring to these topics. This credibility can be beneficial, allowing officers to reach audiences who might otherwise be skeptical of online safety messages. However, it’s also crucial to ensure that the authority that comes with a police background is used responsibly. Messages focused solely on fear can contribute to a culture of anxiety around social media, potentially stifling young people’s ability to engage positively and confidently online.
Darren’s experience highlights the importance of using this credibility to convey a well-rounded message, one that prepares families for potential risks but also encourages them to see the constructive possibilities of digital engagement. He demonstrates that it’s possible to draw from a background in law enforcement to provide valuable insights into the dangers of social media while also championing a balanced view that respects young people’s agency and potential in the digital world.
For parents, this means looking beyond fear-based narratives and embracing digital literacy as a means to empower rather than restrict. Just as Darren has done, parents can learn to hold two truths at once – that there are real risks online and there are also many real opportunities. By supporting kids in developing critical thinking and digital resilience, parents can help them make the most of the online world while staying safer.
While police officers bring valuable insights and an instinct to protect when it comes to the onlife world, it’s equally important for parents, caregivers, and educators to cultivate a balanced perspective. This approach not only acknowledges the dangers but also recognizes the positive aspects of social media that can enrich young people’s lives. Embracing both sides will allow families to navigate social media with confidence, making it a tool for learning, connection, and growth.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
