Parents should set clear safety rules for children who received new phones this Christmas, especially regarding social media use, sheriff Eddie Hawkins said in a Facebook post.
He recommends activating parental controls to limit screen time, purchases, and access to age-appropriate content. Parents should review social media privacy settings and make accounts private before children start posting.
Hawkins advises discussing the dangers of communicating with strangers online, including predators posing as kids. He emphasizes teaching children about social media scams, fake profiles, and links that could steal personal information.
Parents should remind children not to post personal details such as addresses, school names, daily routines, or photos of their home. They should also talk about cyberbullying, how to recognize it, and the importance of reporting it immediately.
He notes that once something is posted online, it often remains even if deleted. Turning off location sharing on apps and social media platforms is also important.
Hawkins encourages open communication, so children feel comfortable reporting suspicious or uncomfortable interactions. He concludes, “A new phone should bring joy — not risk. Taking a few simple steps can help keep your child safer this holiday season.”
