How Predators Use Social Media to Target Children: What Parents Need to Know
Back in 2022, a report from The New York Times revealed a surprising 17% jump in the average screen time among kids. And where was all that time going? You guessed it—most of it was spent on social media.
Another study from the same year showed that adolescents (kids aged 10 to 19) were clocking around five hours a day on social media alone. That’s a lot of time, and it raises a big question: is “over-socializing” the only risk of all this screen time?
Unfortunately, it’s not. The more time kids spend on social media, the more they’re exposed to other dangers—including online predators who use these platforms to target children.
That’s why this article is all about keeping kids safe in the digital world. We’ll explore some of the ways predators misuse social media and share effective strategies that parents can use to protect their kids. Because at Troomi, we believe kids deserve a safe space to explore, learn, and grow—both online and offline.
Children’s Social Media Use – Current Statistics and Popular Platforms
Kids are more connected than ever. Back in 2015, only 11% of 8-year-olds had smartphones, but by 2021, that number had jumped to 31% according to Statista. And by age 11, over half of kids in the U.S. had a mobile phone as of 2022, according to a study by NCBI. With the rise in smartphone ownership, it’s no surprise that social media is a huge part of kids’ daily lives.
These days, it’s not just about having a phone; it’s about being active on the most popular platforms. And for kids, that often means YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit.
The Risks of Excessive Social Media Use
According to a 2022 report from Common Sense Media, children are spending an average of 5 hours and 30 minutes on screens every day. It’s not just about spending too much time online—it’s about the ease of connecting with others, which, without supervision, can lead to risky situations.
The Danger of Online Predators
Social media makes it easy for kids to connect with friends, but it also opens the door to strangers. Without privacy settings or supervision, kids can chat, call, and video-call just about anyone.
As our children become more active online, they experience a higher risk of encountering online predators on social media. These predators, who are well-versed in using social media apps and other internet applications, can use them to their advantage to lure children. Online predators know how to use popular platforms to reach kids.
A report from The Seattle Medium highlights that over 500,000 predators are active online in the U.S. every day, and kids are especially vulnerable to their manipulative tactics.Right here, in the US. In addition, it reported that children and teens are more susceptible to becoming ‘groomed victims’ of manipulative, opportunistic adults online. But there are proactive measures you can take.
How Parents Can Help Keep Kids Safe
At Troomi, we’re here to support you. Our Parent Portal gives you tools to manage your child’s device, set app permissions, and control screen time. By staying involved and setting boundaries, you can help your kids enjoy technology safely, with moderation and protection in place.
What Are the Tactics Employed by Online Predators on Social Media?
How Do Online Predators Operate on Social Media? What Parents Should Know
The FBI has been tracking a disturbing trend: online predators increasingly disguise themselves as teenage girls to lure young boys into sharing explicit images. Predators use tactics like manipulation and deception, preying on the trust of young, inexperienced users. The typical strategies that these people usually rely on are psychological manipulation and deception. They try to gain the trust of the other party, i.e., the vulnerable and inexperienced young users, to engage them in harmful behaviors.
Here’s a closer look at their common tactics:
Grooming
One of the most common strategies predators use is grooming—a slow process where the predator will gradually gain a child’s trust, often by pretending to be a friend or peer. Initially, these predators will talk about shared interests or ideas, building a bond. Over time, they start introducing inappropriate content, taking advantage of that trust. The NCMEC reports how grooming helped opportunistic individuals desensitize children to inappropriate (often sexual) conversations or behaviors. Grooming can take weeks or even months and often involves encouraging secrecy, isolating kids from family support.
Fake Profiles
According to the FBI, predators often create fake profiles to blend in, posing as kids the same age as the children they are targeting. By using real photos and details stolen from other profiles, they make their accounts look believable and use them to access online communities. These fake profiles allow predators to expand their reach across multiple platforms, expanding their fishing net by creating a false sense of security as they gain the trust of young users.
Manipulation and Control
Once predators build a relationship, they use emotional manipulation to control their victims. They might even pretend to need financial assistance from their friend (the child), using guilt and pressure to keep the connection strong. In some cases, they even try to meet with their victims in person, using emotional blackmail or threats. This is why keeping an open line of communication with your child is so crucial—when kids trust you, they’re more likely to share uncomfortable interactions they may experience online.
A Tragic Reminder: The Story of Breck Bednar
In 2014, a 15-year-old boy named Breck Bednar from the UK fell victim to an online predator named Lewis Daynes. Daynes, only 19 himself, groomed Breck through online gaming, eventually luring him to a meeting where the situation turned fatal. This heartbreaking incident shook the community and raised awareness of online safety. It’s a tragic reminder of why it’s so important to know who your kids are connecting with online—whether through games, social media, or other digital channels.
Taking Action for Your Child’s Safety
As parents, we have to stay informed and proactive. At Troomi, our mission is to help parents protect their children with tools like our KidSmart® OS, which offers control over contacts, app access, and screen time limits. By prioritizing open communication and setting digital boundaries, we can give our kids the freedom to explore safely without compromising their well-being.
Warning Signs for Parents That Children Might Be Targets
It’s natural for kids, especially teens, to go through mood swings and changes as they grow. But with online predators becoming more skilled at manipulating young users on social media, it’s important for parents to recognize warning signs that could indicate a child or teen is under harmful influence, such as manipulative control or grooming by a predator.
Here are a few red flags to watch out for:
Increased Secrecy Around Online Activity
If your child suddenly becomes guarded about their online interactions or defensive when you ask about their social media use, it could mean more than just a potential digital addiction. Kids who are being groomed often feel pressured to keep things hidden. If they’re unusually secretive about who they’re talking to or what they’re doing online, it might be a sign of a serious issue and time for a check-in.
Sudden Mood Changes or Increased Anxiety
Negative online interactions can take a toll on a child’s well-being, causing anxiety, irritability, or even withdrawal from social situations. If your child seems more down than usual, or hesitant to join in family activities, it could be due to something they’ve encountered online. Studies confirm that negative experiences on social media can impact young users’ mental health, so pay attention to shifts in their mood or behavior.
Hesitancy to Discuss Online Friends or Experiences
If your child clams up when talking about online friends or activities, it might be a sign they’re hiding something concerning. Creating an open and caring environment where kids feel comfortable sharing without fear of judgment is key. Instead of prying or forcefully trying to uncover secrets, aim for open, regular conversations that help build trust.
Remember, the goal isn’t to monitor every move but to keep your child safe while giving them space to grow. Troomi’s Parent Portal can help you keep an eye on their online interactions without making them feel like they’re under a microscope. It’s a helpful way to stay connected to your child’s digital world, offering insights that help you guide them safely through their online experiences and digital interactions.
How to Empower Children With Knowledge and the Right Tools
At Troomi, we’re dedicated to creating tools that keep kids safe online, and we believe that knowledge is one of the strongest protections they can have. By sharing simple strategies and guiding them through best practices, you can equip your kids with the tools they need to stay safe on social media and beyond.
Here are some practical actions you can take together:
Set Up Privacy Settings
Help your child adjust the privacy settings on their social media accounts. Even better, work with them to do it so they understand why these settings are important. Limiting who can see their profile, comment, or share their posts can greatly reduce their exposure to strangers. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in safety. Most direct message platforms have privacy settings to pay attention to as well.
Encourage Critical Thinking
Teach your kids to think critically about the people they interact with online. Not everyone is who they say they are. Encourage them to question the identity or authenticity of new online contacts. This kind of awareness can help them spot potential red flags early.
Talk About Reporting Tools
Make sure your kids know how to use reporting tools on social media. Sit down with them and go over when and how to report inappropriate content or block unwanted interactions. Knowing how to take control when something feels wrong empowers them to protect their own online space.
By working together and encouraging safe practices, you can help your child navigate social media with confidence and care. With tools like Troomi and the right knowledge, they’ll be equipped to enjoy their online experiences safely.
Building a Community of Support for Parents and Kids
Navigating parenting in the digital age is no small task, but you don’t have to do it alone. Many parents face the same challenges when it comes to managing social media risks, and there are resources, credible resources, and communities ready to help. Connecting with others can give you the guidance, support, and tools to keep your kids safe online.
1. Join Parenting Networks
These resources offer advice, practical strategies, and the latest updates on online safety:
By connecting with parenting networks, you can ask questions, request insights, share strategies, and more. Visit these often for news about the latest threats—or pick up on the latest trends in digital parenting. By joining parenting networks and using other online resources as guides, parents can tackle challenges related to social media safety.
2. Share Experiences and Strategies
One of the best ways to protect kids online is to learn from other parents. Sharing experiences and tips with parents who have faced similar challenges can make all the difference. Knowing what’s worked for others can boost your confidence and help you keep your kids safe while allowing them to enjoy their online spaces.
3. Stay Informed About Digital Safety Tools
From screen time limits to content filters, there are plenty of digital tools designed to help you manage your child’s online experience. Many of these tools come with tutorials and expert insights to guide you. By setting boundaries on screen time and filtering content, you can create a balanced and safer digital environment for your child. Encourage healthy habits with time limits and other restricted features meant to be age-appropriate for your child.
4. Build Local Support Systems
A local support system can be a powerful resource. Consider setting up a community group or parent support circle to discuss digital safety, share insights, and learn together. Having a network of like-minded parents nearby can boost everyone’s (both parents and children) digital literacy and safety practices.
5. Stay Connected with Troomi
The Troomi community regularly shares blog posts and expert-backed articles on online safety, designed to help parents like you keep kids safe while still enjoying the benefits of digital devices.
Conclusion: Empowering Safer Digital Experiences for Our Kids
Social media has opened up new ways for kids to connect, but it also brings risks. By staying proactive and informed, you can help prevent these risks from taking shape. Regular conversations, attending workshops, and encouraging safe online habits can go a long way in building you and your child’s digital resilience.
