Sen. Lauren Book urges families and communities to emphasize digital safety during National Internet Safety Month
As more aspects of daily life transition online, now is the time to discuss internet safety with kids and teens. In recognition of June as National Internet Safety Month, Lauren’s Kids, a South Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and helping survivors heal, is proud to offer various tools, actionable steps, and essential knowledge to keep kids and teens safe online. By empowering parents, caregivers, and communities with resources, Lauren’s Kids Founder and CEO, former Florida State Senator Lauren Book — who has championed changes in Florida law combatting digital exploitation and trafficking of private images — continues her unwavering mission to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
“National Internet Safety Month serves as a vital reminder for families to prioritize digital safety,” said Book — mom of two and child safety advocate. “As kids and teens spend more time online, so do those who wish to harm them. According to the FBI, 1 in 5 children who touch a digital device will be sexually solicited online – so it’s our responsibility as safe adults to have regular and routine age-appropriate digital safety conversations.”
Digital safety education empowers families and caregivers to understand online dynamics, identify risks, and recognize warning signs. Online predators often exploit digital platforms to target unsuspecting children and teens. The rise of sextortion – a growing online threat claiming the lives of pre-teen boys across the country – underscores the urgency and need for vigilance, as predators can operate through any internet-capable device, including deactivated phones, gaming systems, and Wi-Fi-enabled tablets. Even seemingly child- and teen-friendly platforms like YouTube Kids, Roblox, Fortnite, TikTok, and Snapchat can expose children to inappropriate content and threats, as strangers may use these spaces to communicate under false identities – building, then exploiting, children’s trust and curiosity.
“Enabling safety settings will only take us so far,” continued Book. “By educating ourselves and fostering open conversations — including being a safe place when our children inevitably make mistakes — we can better protect our kids from the dangers in the digital world. The time is now to address online safety in your home.”
Lauren’s Kids encourages parents and caregivers to proactively participate in educating children on safe online practices, including taking the following steps:
- Learn about popular platforms and games.
Digital safety begins with a parent or guardian understanding the apps, games, and devices their child uses, followed by an open and age-appropriate conversation with their child.
- Establish a digital code of conduct. Parents and guardians should guide their child in developing healthy digital habits with the following principles:
- Avoid communicating with strangers online.
- Do not share private images, personal information, or passwords.
- Be aware that adults may impersonate children on platforms.
- Teach the principle: If it is inappropriate to say or display it in real life, refrain from doing so online.
- Create a written safety agreement that parent and child sign and review regularly.
- Perform regular digital audits of devices.
Parents should regularly monitor contacts, apps, content, and privacy settings. Giving unrestricted digital access can be as risky as unsupervised outings. Device checks are safeguards, not breaches of trust. Ensure your child knows that digital devices are a privilege.
- Talk openly about sexting & sextortion.
The most effective prevention message is never to send a private image, but if a child makes a mistake, they must know they can approach their parent or guardian for help without the fear of judgment. Predators thrive on secrecy and fear, making openness one of the most effective defenses.
By fostering a culture of trust and openness, families can empower children to face digital challenges with confidence. Lauren’s Kids provides age-appropriate free resources for kids of all ages through its Safer, Smarter Families program. For more information, parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit safersmarterfamilies.org, utilize the Lauren’s Kids “Blueprint for Building Safer, Smarter Families” Digital Safety resources, and view a digital safety conversation with Lauren’s Kids and Detective Mike Joo from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Lauren’s Kids is committed to preventing child sexual abuse through education and awareness. With its in-school curriculum, awareness campaigns, and resources, Lauren’s Kids equips families with the knowledge and tools needed to protect children.
