Infants, Children, Youth... And Jesus - A Scriptural Guide

By Brett Fletcher

When we look at the ministry of Jesus, we notice something radically different from the cultural norms of His time: His profound, unhurried focus on children. In the ancient world, children were often viewed as secondary—possessions to be managed or workers in training. Yet Jesus turned this hierarchy completely on its head.

Whether you are a parent, a youth leader, or someone seeking to understand God’s heart for the next generation, Scripture outlines a clear, powerful guide on how Jesus views and values babies, children, and youth.

Note: To capture the fullest depth of these passages, this guide utilizes a blend of classic and modern translations, including the King James Version (KJV), New King James Version (NKJV), English Standard Version (ESV), and New International Version (NIV).

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1. The Praises: How Jesus Uplifts the Youngest Among Us

Jesus did not merely tolerate children; He praised them, defended them, and elevated them as the ultimate standard for entering the Kingdom of God.

Becoming Like a Child (NKJV)

In Matthew 18:2-4, when the disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus did something unexpected:

"Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

Welcoming the Infants (ESV)

Luke 18:15-16 shows us that even the smallest babies matter deeply to Him:

"Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.'"

Defending Their Praise (KJV)

When the religious leaders grew angry that children were shouting praises to Jesus in the temple, Jesus firmly stood up for them:

"And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" — Matthew 21:16

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2. The Warnings: The High Stakes of Leading Youth

Because Jesus loves children so deeply, His most terrifying and severe warnings were directed at adults who would dare to mistreat, neglect, or corrupt them.

The Millstone Warning (NIV)

If you want to know how seriously Jesus takes youth ministry and parenting, look no further than Matthew 18:6:

"If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

A Warning Against Despising Them (NKJV)

Jesus makes it clear that children have a special status in the heavenly realms. We are commanded never to treat them as an afterthought:

"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 18:10

God's Mandate to Parents (ESV & KJV)

The Old and New Testaments mirror this warning by calling parents to avoid driving their youth away from faith through harshness:

• Ephesians 6:4 (ESV): "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
• Proverbs 22:6 (KJV): "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

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3. Voices Through the Ages: What Church Leaders Say

The Christian church has long wrestled with and celebrated the unique spiritual life of children. From antiquity to modern times, preachers and teachers have echoed Christ’s heart for the youth.

From Antiquity

"Let the children come, let them come as they grow up; let them come while they are learning, while they are being taught whither to come; let them become Christians when they are able to know Christ."
— Tertullian (De Baptismo, c. 200 AD)

"Preach the gospel to the children... Do not think that they cannot understand. A child can understand the love of God much more quickly than an old sinner who has hardened his heart."
— John Chrysostom (Homilies, c. 400 AD)

From the Reformation & Great Awakening

"For the sake of the church, we must reform the training of children; if we do not, the church will soon die out... Young trees are more easily bent and trained than old ones."
— John Calvin (Geneva Catechism Writings, 1545)

"Children are not too young to be saved... They are capable of early impressions of religion, and we should labor to bring them to Christ."
— Jonathan Edwards (A Faithful Narrative, 1737)

From Modern Times

"A child of five, if properly instructed, can as truly believe and be justified as any adult."
— Charles Spurgeon (Sermons, 19th Century)

"Children are not distractions from more important work. They are the most important work."
— C.S. Lewis (Letters, 20th Century)

"Youth are not just the future of the church; they are the church of today. If we do not intentionally invest in them, we are choosing our own decline."
— Billy Graham (Crusade Address, late 20th Century)

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4. Concluding Thoughts: How Do We Respond?

To look at youth through the eyes of Jesus is to realize that parenting, teaching, and mentoring are not passive obligations—they are high-stakes, holy callings.

Jesus reminds us that children possess a natural, unpretentious capacity for trust that adults often spend a lifetime trying to relearn. Let us never hinder them. Let us heed the warnings, emulate the praises, and actively guide our children and youth straight into the arms of the Savior.

Keeping Kids Safe: The Modern Blueprint for Parents, Guardians, and Kids

 

By Brett Fletcher

Protecting our kids used to mean telling them not to take candy from strangers. Today, the landscape is entirely different. With children navigating massive multiplayer games, AI-driven apps, and unmonitored digital spaces alongside real-world neighborhoods, child safety strategies have dramatically shifted.

Modern guidelines from law enforcement agencies and leading child advocacy organizations emphasize moving away from fear-based tactics toward empowerment, boundaries, and situational awareness.

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1. Ground Realities: Why "Stranger Danger" Got an Upgrade

For decades, "Stranger Danger" was the golden rule. However, organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and progressive law enforcement agencies advise retiring this phrase.

The Problem with "Stranger Danger": The concept of a stranger is abstract and confusing for young children—they often associate "bad people" with scary monsters, not friendly adults who offer to show them a puppy or ask for help finding a lost item. Furthermore, statistically, children are far more likely to experience harm from someone they know or have previously interacted with rather than a random stranger.

The Modern Shift: "Tricky People" and the Permission Boundary

Instead of fear-mongering about strangers, safety experts teach children to watch for tricky behavior:

• The Absolute Boundary: Teach kids that they must never go anywhere with anyone without first getting explicit permission from their parent or guardian. This shifts the burden of vetting an adult’s motives off the child and onto you.
• Adults Don't Ask Kids For Help: Remind children that safe, responsible adults do not ask kids for directions, help finding a pet, or assistance carrying packages. If an adult needs help, they should ask another adult.
• The "No-Go-Tell" Rule: If someone makes a child scared, uncomfortable, or asks them to keep a secret, they should say NO, GO away immediately, and TELL a trusted adult.

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2. Online Safety: Navigating the 2026 Digital Playground

Online safety is no longer just about avoiding sketchy chatrooms; it is about managing interactions inside heavily populated video games, understanding privacy settings on social apps, and spotting sophisticated grooming.

Red Flags to Teach Your Kids

Law enforcement internet crimes task forces urge parents to talk to their kids about these common digital red flags:

1. The Secret Keepers: Anyone online who asks a child to keep a conversation, a game item, or a friendship a secret from their parents.
2. Platform Hopping: Strangers in public game lobbies who try to quickly move the conversation to encrypted or private messaging apps.
3. The Nudify/Sextortion Trap: Predators or automated bots using Generative AI or peer pressure to solicit or manipulate explicit imagery.

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3. Age-Appropriate Safety Checklists

The right way to approach safety depends heavily on a child's developmental stage. Use these actionable guidelines to tailor your family's safety strategy.

For Younger Kids (Grades K-5)

• Memorize the Basics: Ensure they know their full name, your full name, their address, and your phone number.
• Identify "Safe Adults": Teach them how to look for a uniformed police officer, a store clerk with a nametag, or a parent with children if they ever get lost or feel unsafe.
• Device Centralization: Keep computers and tablets in common family areas. Use structured platforms like NCMEC's KidSmartz videos to spark natural conversations about body boundaries.

For Tweens & Teens (Grades 6-12)

• The 3 Ws: Before they head out on their own, establish the rule of providing the three Ws: Who they will be with, Where they are going, and When they will be home.
• Digital Footprints and Location Sharing: Review app settings together. Turn off real-time public location sharing on social platforms. Teach them that an online acquaintance is still a stranger, no matter how long they have played video games together.
• The "No-Judgment" Digital Lifeline: Ensure your teen knows that if they ever make a mistake online—such as sending an inappropriate photo or getting caught in a scam—they can come to you without fear of losing your love or being grounded into isolation. Isolation is exactly what digital predators rely on.

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4. Trusted Vetted Resources & Reporting Tools

If you need educational materials, want to report an incident, or require direct assistance, use these verified, official channels.

National & International Advocacy Organizations

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
  • What they do: The premier child protection agency in the U.S. They offer incredible age-based programs like NetSmartz (online safety) and KidSmartz (personal safety).
  • Website: missingkids.org
  • 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
• Take It Down (by NCMEC)
  • What they do: A free, anonymous tool that helps prevent explicit images or videos of anyone under 18 from being shared or spread online.
  • Website: takeitdown.ncmec.org
• Cybertip.ca (International / Canada)
  • What they do: Canada's national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children, providing excellent multilingual safety resources.
  • Website: cybertip.ca

Law Enforcement Reporting Channels

• The CyberTipline
  • What it is: The centralized reporting system handled by NCMEC and connected directly to federal and local law enforcement for investigating online child exploitation, enticement, and abuse material.
  • Website: cybertipline.org
• Local Law Enforcement & FBI
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• Immediate Danger: Always dial 9-1-1 if a child is actively missing or in immediate physical danger.
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): For reporting severe digital scams, cybercrimes, or online targeting. ic3.gov

Tiny Hazards, Big Changes: A Texas Toddler’s Lifesaving Legacy

 

Each year, nearly 3,000 children are treated in the emergency room after swallowing button batteries. Tragically, more than 70 children have died from their injuries. Now, a major manufacturer is rolling out new safety technology. It's in memory of a Texas toddler, whose mother is determined to help protect other kids. - WDIV Local 4 News in Detroit. 

By Brett Fletcher

​As parents, we spend countless hours baby-proofing our homes. We cover electrical outlets, install baby gates, and latch the cabinets. But one of the most dangerous items in our homes is often hiding in plain sight, powering our everyday devices: the button battery.

​The statistics are both staggering and heartbreaking. Every single year:

• ​Nearly 3,000 children are rushed to the emergency room after swallowing these small, coin-sized batteries.
• ​Tragically, more than 70 children have lost their lives to these completely preventable injuries.

​When swallowed, these batteries can get lodged in a child's esophagus, creating a chemical reaction that burns through tissue in a matter of hours. It is a silent, rapid emergency.

​But out of unthinkable heartbreak, a fierce push for change has emerged.

​A Mother’s Mission: Honoring a Texas Toddler

​The driving force behind a massive new shift in battery safety isn't a corporate board—it’s a mother’s love.

​At the center of this story is a Texas toddler whose bright light was lost far too soon to a button battery accident. While the pain of losing a child is unimaginable, this toddler’s mother made a decision: she would fight to ensure no other family has to endure the same tragedy. She transformed her grief into unrelenting advocacy, pushing the industry to rethink how these everyday items are made.

​Her determination has single-handedly turned a personal tragedy into a lifesaving mission for children everywhere.

​The Breakthrough: New Safety Technology

​Thanks to the tireless advocacy surrounding this Texas toddler's memory, the industry is finally listening. A major manufacturer (Energizer) is officially rolling out new safety technology (ULTIMATE CHILD SHIELD) designed specifically to prevent these devastating accidents.

​While the exact mechanics of the safety features are rolling out into the market, the goal is simple: deter children from swallowing them and reduce the catastrophic damage if they do.

​What this means for parents:

1. ​Safer Products: Look for new packaging and battery designs from major brands that incorporate these new child-safe technologies.
2. ​Continued Vigilance: Even with new technology, button batteries (found in remotes, key fobs, thermometers, and musical toys) must be treated as hazardous materials in homes with young kids.

​This new technology is more than just a product update; it is a direct testament to a Texas mother who refused to stay quiet. The next time you buy a pack of button batteries with these new safety features, remember the little life that inspired them—and the mother who fought to protect your kids, too.

Parents push Congress to act on kids’ online safety after juries find Meta and YouTube liable for harm

Fresh off landmark jury decisions finding tech companies liable for harms on their platforms, some parents are making a renewed push for online safety legislation.

“I think parents are starting to wake up and see like, whoa, this is not a safe place for my child, and they want change,” Julianna Arnold, founder of the advocacy group Parents RISE!, told Fox News Digital in an interview.  

Arnold was among roughly 70 parents blaming tech platforms for harming or killing their children who traveled to the U.S. Capitol this week to advocate for online safety legislation that would better protect minors. The group held a vigil outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday afternoon with many parents holding pictures of their deceased children.

Arnold told Fox News Digital that she lost her 17-year-old daughter to fentanyl poisoning after a man approached her on Instagram and sold her what she thought was Percocet for her anxiety.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC STAR LAUREN DAIGLE BRINGS ONLINE CHILD SAFETY FIGHT TO CAPITOL HILL, BACKS STOP CSAM ACT

“Ever since then, I’ve been motivated to clean up these online spaces, because they’re no place for our children,” Arnold said. “And now we’re learning that even the way they’re designing these platforms is going to be harming our children, and they’re doing it intentionally.”

A Los Angeles jury in March found both Meta and Google’s YouTube negligent for knowingly addicting and harming a young woman. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, was also ordered to pay a $345 million fine after a New Mexico jury found the company failed to protect against child sexual exploitation and misled consumers about the safety of its platform.

Meta and Google have vigorously pushed back on claims that their platforms are addictive and have vowed to appeal both rulings.

Arnold attended the Los Angeles trial and said the unprecedented verdicts finding that platforms can be held responsible for content on their platforms “changed everything” for the online safety movement. 

“Now, we’re not here to tell our story only,” Arnold said, referring to her visit to Capitol Hill. “We’re here to show the evidence that is out there that shows that these platforms are intentionally trying to addict our children, and that they are targeting our children because they want more eyeballs on their platform so they make more money.”

NEWSOM WEIGHS IN ON SOCIAL MEDIA AGE RESTRICTIONS, CITING EXPERIENCE AS A PARENT: ‘WE NEED HELP’

A spokesperson for Meta told Fox News Digital that the company continues to work to make its products safer.

“We are listening to families, working closely with experts and conducting research to understand how to make meaningful changes, like Teen Accounts,” the spokesperson said. “We’ll keep making progress to protect teens online.”

Efforts to pass online safety legislation have so far stalled in the Republican-controlled Congress.

Arnold said her message to lawmakers is less talk, more action.

“We don’t need to have another hearing with the big tech executives,” Arnold said. “We don’t need to have all these conversations and tell our stories again, because I feel like the evidence is out there now and that’s what we brought to them today.”

Arnold and other online safety advocates are urging Congress to pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which has a veto-proof majority with 74 cosponsors. The legislation includes a “duty of care” provision legally requiring tech companies to tailor their platforms to children’s safety and omits preemption language that would restrict states’ ability to regulate online safety.

KOSA has yet to advance out of the Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, or receive a chamber-wide vote.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have both endorsed the legislation.

“We’re urging that the Senate and Sen. Cruz mark it up, get it out of committee, and put it on the floor,” Arnold said.

“This is really a nonpartisan issue,” she added. “It’s the safety of our children, the most sacred things that we have.”

The Savior and the Innocent: A Scriptural Reflection on Jesus and Children

By Brett Fletcher - Founder of Trinity Mount Ministries 

​In a world that often overlooked the most vulnerable, Jesus Christ placed children at the very center of His ministry. The scriptures reveal a profound relationship between the Savior and the young, demonstrating that children are not merely an afterthought in the Kingdom of God; they are its very model.

​When we examine the Gospels, we see a radical departure from the cultural norms of the first century. During that time, children possessed very little social standing. Yet, Jesus intentionally elevated them, demanding that His followers protect, cherish, and learn from them.

​A Posture of Welcoming

Perhaps the most iconic representation of this relationship is found in the Gospel of Mark. When parents brought their children to Jesus so He might bless them, the disciples rebuked the parents. The disciples believed the Master was too important to be bothered. However, Jesus was indignant. He instructed them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." He did not brush them aside; He took them in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.

​The Ultimate Model of Faith

Jesus did not just tolerate children; He pointed to them as the ultimate example of genuine faith. In the Gospel of Matthew, when the disciples debated who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus called a little child to stand among them. He declared that unless adults change and become like little children, they will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The humility, profound trust, and openness of a child are exactly what God desires from all of us.

​A Fierce Protector of the Innocent

The love Jesus holds for children also manifests as a fierce protective nature. He issued one of His most severe warnings to those who would harm or exploit the innocent. He stated that if anyone causes a little one who believes in Him to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. This powerful mandate reminds us that safeguarding children is not merely a social obligation; it is a strict divine command.

​As we reflect on these scriptures, the message is remarkably clear. We are called to view children through the eyes of Christ: to welcome them, to protect them fiercely from the shadows of this world, and to emulate their pure, trusting hearts.

​Scriptural References:

• ​Matthew 18:2-6: Jesus calls a child to the center of the group, establishing children as the model for entering the kingdom of heaven and issuing a severe warning against harming them.
• ​Matthew 19:13-15: Jesus lays His hands on the children and prays for them, instructing the disciples not to hinder their approach.
• ​Mark 9:36-37: Jesus embraces a child, teaching that whoever welcomes a child in His name welcomes Him.
• ​Mark 10:13-16: Jesus becomes indignant with the disciples for turning children away, declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to them, and blesses them.
• ​Luke 18:15-17: Jesus affirms that anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

Child Safety and Support in 2026

 

​Raising kids right now can feel like navigating a minefield blindfolded. It is completely valid to feel anxious about your children's safety when the landscape shifts so dramatically year by year. However, living in fear isn't the answer. We cannot bubble-wrap our kids, but we can absolutely equip them—and ourselves—with practical, grounded strategies.

​As we look at the realities of 2026, the threats have evolved. Online safety is no longer just about avoiding strangers in chat rooms; it is about navigating AI companions, algorithmic rabbit holes, and complex social platforms. Physical safety, in turn, is deeply connected to their digital lives—the greatest physical threat often isn't a stranger at the park, but someone they first met through a screen.

​Here is a comprehensive, no-nonsense guide to keeping your kids safe from digital and real-world predators.

​The 2026 Digital Frontier: Online Safety

​The internet is integrating into our lives faster than regulatory guardrails can keep up. With the rise of AI chatbots and hyper-personalized algorithms, the goal is proactive guidance, not just reactive punishment.

​Online Safety - To Do

• ​Do set up device-level boundaries immediately: Before a device ever reaches your child's hands, use built-in family controls (like Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link) to restrict app downloads, set communication limits, and cap screen time.
• ​Do monitor AI interactions: AI companion chatbots are increasingly popular and can simulate deep emotional relationships, bypassing standard filters. Treat AI chatbots with the same caution as a live stranger.
• ​Do utilize "Teen Accounts": Major platforms now offer linked accounts that allow you to monitor who your teens are talking to, block unknown accounts from messaging them, and approve privacy settings without reading every single direct message.
• ​Do keep screens in public spaces: For younger children, enforce a strict rule that tablets and laptops are only used in the living room or kitchen, never behind closed bedroom doors or in the bathroom.

​Online Safety - What Not To Do

• ​Do not rely on your child to self-police: The algorithms designing these platforms are built by experts to keep users hooked. Expecting a child's developing brain to simply "turn it off" without parental controls is unrealistic.
• ​Do not use technology as an unfiltered babysitter: Handing over a device to buy yourself 30 minutes of quiet is completely understandable, but ensure heavy web filtering is active to block explicit content or extreme violence.
• ​Do not ignore their digital footprint: Do not allow your kids to post their school uniforms, home addresses, or real-time locations (like on the Snapchat Map) publicly. Location data is a direct bridge from the online world to physical danger.

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The Physical Reality: Offline Interpersonal Safety

​Physical safety in 2026 requires recognizing that the digital and physical worlds blur together. Predators use online platforms to build trust, with the ultimate goal of a physical meeting or extortion.

​Physical Safety - To Do

• ​Do establish strict rules about offline meetups: The rule must be non-negotiable: Never meet someone in person that you only know from the internet without a parent present.
• ​Do teach them about grooming tactics: Explain in age-appropriate terms that bad adults often pretend to be kids. Teach them that anyone asking them to keep a "special secret" from their parents, or trying to isolate them into private chat apps, is a massive red flag.
• ​Do establish a family safe word: Create a code word your child can text you or say on the phone if they ever feel uncomfortable with a person they are with—whether it's a friend's parent, a coach, or an acquaintance. When they use it, you pick them up immediately, no questions asked.
• ​Do use location trackers transparently: Using AirTags or family GPS apps is a great tool for physical safety, but tell your kids you are using them. It builds trust and acts as an open safety net rather than covert surveillance.

​Physical Safety - What Not To Do

• ​Do not assume "gaming friends" are kids: A voice on a headset playing Fortnite or Roblox is not inherently safe just because they are playing a kid's game. Monitor in-game voice chats.
• ​Do not respond to mistakes with immediate isolation: If your child admits they sent an inappropriate photo or talked to a stranger, do not immediately confiscate all technology as a punishment. If they fear losing their social lifeline, they will hide the danger from you next time.
• ​Do not ignore red flags: Unexplained gifts arriving in the mail, your child quickly closing out tabs when you walk in the room, or sudden, drastic withdrawal from family life are warning signs that must be addressed immediately.

​Age-Appropriate Guardrails

​0-9 Years

• ​Online Boundaries: Strict content filtering; Device use in common areas only; Absolutely no social media or multiplayer voice chat.
• ​Interpersonal & Physical Boundaries: Constant adult supervision; Teach the difference between "good secrets" (surprises) and "bad secrets."

​10-13 Years

• ​Online Boundaries: Linked "teen accounts"; Monitor AI chatbot use; Scheduled screen downtime; Approve all friend requests.
• ​Interpersonal & Physical Boundaries: Establish strict neighborhood boundaries; Teach how to recognize online grooming and manipulation tactics.

​14+ Years

• ​Online Boundaries: Open dialogue about algorithms, privacy settings, digital permanence, and sextortion risks.
• ​Interpersonal & Physical Boundaries: Honest discussions about physical boundaries; Emphasize the absolute danger of meeting internet acquaintances alone.

​Essential Support and Resources

​If you suspect your child is in danger, being exploited, or struggling deeply, do not hesitate to reach out to professionals. You do not have to carry this burden alone. Save these numbers in your phone today.

• ​National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): For reporting online exploitation, grooming, sextortion, or missing children. Call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
• ​Focus on the Family Counseling Services: Provides a free, one-time phone consultation with a licensed counselor to help parents navigate family crises, behavioral issues, and safety concerns. Call 1-855-771-HELP (1-855-771-4357) weekdays from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Mountain Time).
• ​Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals if you suspect a child is being harmed. Call or text 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
• ​988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: For immediate, free, and confidential support for anyone in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources. Call or text 988.

Intelligence Notification: Violent online communities threaten children

Europol today issues an Intelligence Notification calling attention on the rise of violent online communities dedicated to the serious harm of children. This strategic document focuses on online grooming cult groups dedicated to normalising violence and corrupting minors, advocating for the collapse of modern society through acts of terror, chaos and violence, and spreading ideologies that inspire mass shootings, bombings and other acts of crime. These communities recruit offenders and victims on a global scale and function as cults formed around charismatic leaders who use manipulation and deception to lure and control their victims. The communities’ hierarchy is based on the amount of content shared, with the most prolific contributors earning higher rankings. Community members share extremely violent content, ranging from gore and animal cruelty to child sexual exploitation material and depictions of murder.

Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle said: 

"Today, digital platforms enable communications globally; violent extremist online communities also leverage this opportunity. Violent perpetrators spread harmful ideologies, often targeting our youth. These networks radicalise minds in the shadows, inciting them to bring violence into the real world. Awareness is our first line of defence. Families, educators and communities must stay vigilant and equip young people with critical thinking skills to resist online manipulation. International cooperation is also imperative – by sharing intelligence and holding perpetrators accountable, we can combat these dangerous communities and safeguard future generations from the grip of extreme violence and crime."

 

Vulnerable minors targeted through gaming platforms and self-help communities

The perpetrators leverage online gaming platforms, streaming services and social media platforms to identify and lure their victims. The members of these groups target vulnerable young people, particularly minors between 8 and 17 years old – especially who are LGBTQ+, racial minorities and those struggling with mental health issues. In some cases, perpetrators infiltrate online self-help or support communities dedicated to individuals impacted by these issues.

These violent criminal actors employ different tactics to lure and manipulate their victims into producing explicit sexual content, perpetrating self-harm, harming others and even carrying out murders. In the beginning, perpetrators often use ‘love bombing’ techniques – extreme expressions of care, kindness and understanding to gain the trust of the minors – while collecting personal information about their victims. The criminal actors use this information in the exploitation phase of the grooming, when they force the vulnerable minors into producing sexual content and committing acts of violence. The perpetrators then blackmail the victims to do even more harmful acts by threatening to share the victims’ explicit content with their families, friends or online communities.

Once caught in the net of the predators, minors become even more vulnerable – the detection of these criminal activities is crucial.

Beware of these behaviours in your children:

• Secrecy about online activities
• Withdrawal and isolation
• Emotional distress
• Interest in harmful content
• Changes in language or symbols used
• Concealing physical signs of harm

 

Do not ignore these signs in your children’s online behaviour:

• Unusual activity on platforms
• Interaction with unknown contacts
• Encrypted communications
• Exposure to disturbing content

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  The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) tackles the most important threats posed by organised and serious international crime affecting the EU. EMPACT strengthens intelligence, strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners. EMPACT runs in four-year cycles focusing on common EU crime priorities.
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Mott Poll Report - Overuse of devices and social media top parent concerns

Overuse of devices and social media top parent concerns

Poll Report

The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health asked a national sample of parents to rate their level of concern about a variety of health topics. Parents rated each topic as a big problem, somewhat of a problem, or not a problem for children and teens in the United States. The leading concerns rated by parents as a big problem for children and teens are presented below.

2023 Top 10 Child Health Concerns for Parents:

Overuse of devices/screen time (67%)Social media (66%)Internet safety (62%)Depression/suicide (57%)Bullying (53%)Stress/anxiety (52%)Unhealthy diet (52%)Costs of healthcare/health insurance (50%)School violence (49%)Smoking/vaping (48%)

Falling just outside the Top 10 are obesity (48%), guns/gun injuries (47%), lack of mental health services (47%), poverty (45%), drinking/using drugs (44%), child abuse/neglect (42%), followed by unequal access to health care (35%), parental stress (35%), inaccurate/misleading health information (31%), teen pregnancy/sexual activity (31%), discrimination (31%), unsafe neighborhoods (30%), gay/gender issues (LGBTQ) (29%), and health risks from polluted water and air (23%). At the bottom of the list are safety of vaccines (16%), over-involved parents/parents doing too much (13%) and COVID (12%).

Several issues are viewed as a big problem by a higher proportion of parents in low-income (<$50,000) households; these include depression/suicide, bullying, school violence, unsafe neighborhoods, drinking/drugs, smoking/vaping, teen pregnancy/sexual activity, child abuse/neglect, parental stress, discrimination, COVID, and health risks from pollution. In contrast, overuse of devices and social media are viewed as big problems by a higher proportion of parents in middle- ($50,000-$99,999) and high-income (≥$100,000) households. Parents across income groups have similar ratings for unhealthy diet, obesity, costs of healthcare, and lack of mental health services.

HighlightsTop parental concerns center on children’s and teens’ use of devices and social media.Over half of parents rate mental health issues as a big problem.Parents in low-income households rate more issues as a big problem for children and teens.

Implications

Since 2007, the Mott Poll has released periodic reports on parents’ level of concern about a variety of health-related issues for US children and teens. The top issues centered around the role of social media and the internet in children’s lives, with two-thirds of parents expressing concerns about children’s increased use of social media, as well as overall screen time. These topics became more prominent during the pandemic, and this report shows that parent concerns have not faded. As shown in prior Mott Poll Reports, children are using social media at younger ages, and parents struggle with how to appropriately monitor this area and help their children avoid the negative aspects of its use.

Poll results also demonstrate parents’ continued concern about children’s mental health. Over half of parents cited mental health topics as big problems of US children, such as depression/suicide, and stress/anxiety, and related topics like bullying. Notably, nearly half of parents cited lack of mental health services as a big problem. The mismatch between the growing number of youth with mental health concerns and the limited access to mental health services has short and long-term implications for children’s well-being.

Parents also expressed a high level of concern about violence in school, which may reflect direct experience with school shootings or fights as well as media coverage about such events. In addition, changes to the school environment (e.g., metal detectors, armed guards, locked doors) and active shooter drills may remind children and parents about the potential for school violence. Parents may struggle with how to manage their own stress and anxiety while they try to reassure their child. They may want to talk with their child periodically about how they perceive their safety in school and their emotions regarding unsafe school incidents. Parents can talk with their child’s teacher or principal to make sure adequate protocols are in place if an unsafe situation arises.

New to the Top 10 is concern about the costs of healthcare for children, including costs of getting health insurance. In recent years, federal policies required states to maintain Medicaid enrollment through the duration of the pandemic. As these requirements are ending, families that no longer qualify will face the challenge of finding affordable coverage for their children.

Unhealthy eating and obesity continue to rate as important issues, but have been overtaken by concerns about mental health and social media/screen time. For both ongoing and emerging concerns, parents may find their child’s health care provider can serve as an effective partner to help address these problems.

This Mott Poll also highlights the greater level of concern about a host of issues among parents from lower-income households. This may reflect their day-to-day experiences dealing with environmental challenges such as unsafe neighborhoods, as well as bullying or discrimination that may be more frequently experienced by children from low-income families. In addition, low-income parents reported higher levels of concern about mental health and substance use; while these problems affect children and teens across the income spectrum, it’s possible that low-income parents feel more vulnerable about these problems. Overall, parents from low-income households rated a higher number of topics as big problems; concern about a greater number of child health issues may contribute to their higher reports of parental stress as a big problem.

Back-To-school Safety

As the back-to-school season approaches, UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Team and Safety Store offer some tips to help keep children safe throughout the school year. 

Transportation Safety Tips

For walkers

• Choose safe routes: Teach your child to walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If there’s no sidewalk, teach your child to walk facing traffic to be aware of oncoming vehicles.  

• Crossing streets: Before crossing the street, children should stop and look left, right, and left again to watch for cars. 

• Eye contact: Instruct your child to make eye contact with drivers before they cross the street to help ensure that drivers see them before crossing the street. 

• Stay alert: Distracted walking can be dangerous. Teach your child to stay alert by keeping phones and other distractions away while walking. 

For bike riders

• Wear a helmet: Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing. Helmets are sold at the Safety Store. 

• Lane safety: Your child should ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic. They should maintain a single-file formation with other cyclists. 

• Crossing the street: Instruct your child to stop before crossing the street, and to walk their bike across the street. 

For bus riders

• Bus stop etiquette: Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them how to get on and off the school bus safely. 

• Maintain distance: Teach your child to stand at least six feet away from the curb on the sidewalk for safety reasons. 

• Bus riding etiquette: Inform your child to stay seated facing forward, and to speak in soft voices to not distract the bus driver. 

• Safety crossing the street: If crossing the street in front of the bus is necessary, teach your child to walk on the side of the road until they are ten feet ahead of the bus. This ensures both the child and the bus driver can see each other. 

For parents driving their children

• Observe speed limits: Obey school zone speed limits and follow the designated drop-off procedures.  

• Be alert: Make eye contact with children who are crossing the street to ensure their safety. 

• School bus safety: Never attempt to pass a school bus that is loading or unloading children. Maintain a safe distance—at least ten feet—from the school bus to allow children to safely enter and exit the bus. 

For teen drivers

• Practice regularly: Inexperience is a common cause of teen accidents. Practice driving with your teen every week, before and after they get their license. 

• Set a good example: Drive the way you would like your teen to drive.  

School Safety Tips

Backpack safety

• Manage weight: A backpack should weigh no more than 5% to 10% of your child’s body weight to avoid strain. 

• Use both straps: Encourage your child to use both straps to distribute the weight evenly on their shoulders. 

• Watch for rolling backpacks: While convenient, rolling backpacks should be used cautiously since they can create trip hazards in crowded hallways. 

Playgrounds and sports

• Avoid hazards: Leave necklaces and jackets with drawstrings at home to prevent strangulation hazards on playgrounds. 

• Avoid hot playground equipment: Teach your child to avoid playing on hot playground equipment, as burns can occur if the playground equipment is too hot from the sun. 

• Head injury awareness: While minor bumps are common in sports, head injuries should never be ignored. Prompt attention is crucial. 

Safety Store

The University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital Safety Store is the first of its kind in Iowa and serves families across the state, offering low-cost child safety products and an inventory that includes adaptable safety products designed specifically for children with special health care and educational needs. 

• Learn more about our Safety Store