As students return to school, urgent warnings about online safety are echoing louder than ever. Parenting expert and author Tatania Jordan is breaking down the critical steps parents must take to protect their children in an increasingly dangerous digital landscape. With the rise of harmful online trends and cyberbullying, parents are urged to act swiftly to safeguard their kids.

Jordan emphasizes the importance of implementing parental controls as the school year kicks off. “The digital world is rife with risks,” she warns, highlighting that appropriate screen time limits and filters can create a safer online environment. Parents must ensure that devices are turned off by a set time to prevent late-night gaming sessions that could disrupt sleep and mental health.

The expert stresses that many parents are out of the loop regarding current online dangers. “Just like our parents didn’t know what we were up to, adults today might not be aware of the threats their children face,” she cautions. With trends shifting overnight, it’s crucial for parents to stay vigilant, monitoring their children’s behavior and emotional state. Any signs of distress or changes in appetite should prompt an immediate consultation with a pediatrician.

As kids transition back to school after a summer of increased screen time, Jordan advises parents to engage their children’s curiosity while setting firm boundaries. “Appeal to their lust for knowledge,” she says, while also making it clear that their safety online is paramount. The stakes are high: neglecting these conversations could lead to severe mental health issues stemming from online bullying or addiction.

With the school year underway, the call to action is clear: parents must step up now to ensure their children navigate the digital world safely. The time for complacency is over; proactive measures are essential to protect young minds from the lurking dangers of the internet.