Uncategorized – Internetphase https://internetphase.org Internetphase Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:05:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://internetphase.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-512iphase-logo-32x32.png Uncategorized – Internetphase https://internetphase.org 32 32 Teen Online Porn Addiction https://internetphase.org/2025/03/13/teen-online-porn-addiction/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:55:43 +0000 https://internetphase.org/?p=6044

Teen online porn addiction is a common issue among teenagers and has been considered an epidemic. Do you have a teenager? Have you discussed this issue with them? It’s not an easy topic, but it’s essential in today’s digital world. If parents avoid the discussion, that doesn’t mean it’s not happening—your teen is already hearing about it, and the only person left out of the conversation is you. It’s time to set aside discomfort and take on your responsibility as a parent. If you’re unsure how to start the discussion, try asking a simple question like: “I’ve noticed a lot of sexually inappropriate images popping up on my social media feed lately. Have you seen anything like that?” Your teen’s response, both verbal and nonverbal, will give you clues about their thoughts and experiences with sexual content. From there, let them know that if they ever come across such material or feel drawn to it, you are there to help them navigate it. They may not open up immediately, but knowing you’re willing to support them can make a huge difference. Start the conversation today!

By Abie Amen (Internet Safety Educator)

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Safer Internet Day 2025 https://internetphase.org/2025/02/11/safer-internet-day-2025/ Tue, 11 Feb 2025 21:50:19 +0000 https://internetphase.org/?p=6037 Every year, the world celebrates Safer Internet Day with a theme focused on the most pressing internet safety issues. This year’s theme highlights online fraud and scams.

According to recent research, the risks of online scams, catfishing, digital threats, and the spread of harmful content continue to rise, posing serious challenges to internet safety. While the internet has greatly improved our lives and made the world more connected, we all share the responsibility of keeping it safe, clean, and healthy.

Our online and offline worlds are only as good as we make them. Internet safety is a collective effort, and it starts with each of us. On this special day—February 11th 2025—let’s take at least one step toward creating a safer digital space for ourselves, our children, and future generations.

Please share this message and help make the internet a better place for everyone!

Abie Amen- Internet Safety Educator

]]> Content Creation https://internetphase.org/2024/09/20/content-creation/ Fri, 20 Sep 2024 20:53:16 +0000 https://internetphase.org/?p=6007 Ten years ago, the phrase “content creation” barely existed in the form it does today. The only content we saw in the media was well-crafted, well-reasoned, and subjected to expert and public scrutiny. Traditional media houses could only carry verified information because they were subject to governmental control, broadcasting etiquette, and a regulated culture of public information. Traditional media houses were, and still are, subject to public scrutiny and legal reviews.

Then came the age of social media, where all the boundaries of traditional media houses were broken, the lines of good news sense were crossed, and anyone could create and publish their own news and content.

Older generations can still relate to the formal media type, but Generation Z was born into the seemingly chaotic social media terrain. Most cannot differentiate between good and bad news, misinformation, and disinformation.

As parents of young children and youth, we teach them how to identify credible news and valid information and discredit negative social media trends.

Believe it or not, the average youth will seek answers from popular search engines and peers before they ask their parents. While this innocent move may sometimes produce the result they are looking for, they may not be able to discern the truth. The generated answers can be confusing and may lead them to seek more information, spiralling down the rabbit hole.

Here are a few tips to help you when connecting with your youth about media use and decency:

  • Social media news is not verified or scrutinized by any authority.
  • Not all expert or professional posts are valid.
  • The use of AI to create lifelike images and similar voices is on the rise.
  • A real author and a real voice can be cloned.
  • Social media monetization has caused increased content creation competition, leading to the use of high-risk, obscene, and unethical imagery.
  • Like traditional entertainment, social media content is not rated by any approved or controlled body.
  • If you create content, remember that your contribution to the digital landscape makes a difference, and you can decide the impact you bring.
  • Youth model the behaviour in their circles of influence, so make the best use of it.
  • Less than 0.9% of content creators have ever hit a million views.

Check out our digital citizenship module for more information.

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