April 15, 2021
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Building Safe Online Spaces
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year’s theme is “We Can Build Safe Online Spaces.” Never before has the need for safe online spaces for children and teens been so critical than this past year due to COVID-19. Children and teens are using the Internet every day for school, online games, video chat and more with greater frequency, making them potentially more vulnerable to online abuse and predatory behavior.
As sexual assault awareness advocates, Cohen Milstein believes that education is the most effective way to help prevent unthinkable tragedies from happening. We encourage you to share these tips from the National Sexual Violence Resources Center (NSVRC) to help keep kids safe online.
- Spend time online together to teach your kids appropriate online behavior.
- Keep the computer in a common area where you can watch and monitor its use, not in individual bedrooms.
- Monitor any time spent on smartphones or tablets.
- Bookmark kids’ favorite sites for easy access.
- Check your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges.
- Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange.
- Contact local law enforcement if you hear of or see any offensive material that was directed at a child or if any predatory behavior towards a child takes place.
A victim in an abuse situation may not be able to directly communicate what is happening to them, especially a child. Here are some possible red flags that may indicate abuse:
- Yelling in the background of video or phone calls,
- Behavioral changes such as social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, or loss of interest in usual activities,
- Unexplained absences, or
- Complaints about soreness, pain, or trouble sleeping.
Cohen Milstein’s Sexual Abuse, Sex Trafficking & Domestic Violence Litigation attorneys have recovered significant jury awards and confidential settlements on behalf of clients who are survivors of childhood and adult sexual abuse and assault. Our attorneys are nationally recognized as leaders in their areas of practice. If you’re interested in learning more about our Complex Tort Litigation practice or the Sexual Abuse, Sex Trafficking & Domestic Violence team, please email us, or call us at 561.515.1400.
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