September Column Winner

Be curious about your children

By Sara Acosta, Woodward News

In light of recent events concerning political violence and the idea that it could be anyone’s children being radicalized online, I have seen multiple videos online where parents of children of all ages were surprised their kids knew more of the language and memes surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

“I just thought my kid was playing video games or talking with their friends.”

These videos both surprised me and didn’t. In these times there is increasing proposed legislation that require the government to put restrictions on what can and can’t be done in public, online and often in the privacy of your own home. When I see these pieces of legislation arise, my first comment is often “That’s the parent’s responsibility.”

What your children see online, on TV, how they comport themselves in public. It starts in the home. I’m sure that we all remember trading stories of “My parents wouldn’t let me watch that show or play that game” and that is fine, but requiring the entire world to do your parenting for you shouldn’t be the go-to strategy.

Many parents may think that because the “family computer” is in the living room or that they require their kids to do their electronic activities outside of their room is good enough monitoring, but it is only the start. As someone who is very online, just short of chronically, different memes and the new lingo come into my circles very easily, and that means that your children can reach that information too.

The next steps may be difficult, but in a day where the entire world can reach your children two inches from your face means that parents need to be more proactive. Many games and online activities these days are just large platforms such as, Discord, Roblox, Multiplayer Online games, X, TikTok, that allow third-party creators to make their own games and content. Some of these platforms have high levels of terms of service, but often code speak is created to go around the moderation.

Ask your children who they follow, what kinds of things do these creators discuss? Ask what kinds of games they’re playing and monitor their game time. Perhaps set limits if they are getting upset during high-pressure situations like shooting matches or timed contests. It’s OK to limit screen time.

One of the most important tasks is to continue to learn. Be curious about what your children is consuming and if you hear your children saying new terms that confuse you, ask them what it means. Google it. Try not to be judgmental because that just may push them further into something radical, but if it doesn’t align with your values its okay to talk with them and explain to them why what they’re saying doesn’t align with what you try to teach them.

Molding young minds is a very in depth process and when the parent doesn’t take charge, there are entire industries online that will. So take an interest in your child’s online activity and it might just create a healthy adult that knows how to navigate the world wide web.