Kids on the Internet

kid tablet

In recent years, there have been confirmed cases, as well as Internet hoaxes falsely spreading rumors of fake cases, of videos and phone app games promoting self-harm to kids and teens. Some of these dangerous instructional videos promote dangerous self-harming behaviors as a contest.

Now, videos promoting self-harm are reported to once again be reaching a younger audience on YouTube and other video platforms and apps. 

The videos have been spliced between clips of popular games and cartoon shows causing concern in many cities. We are not linking to any of those videos and will not be showing the clips to protect our community and minimize the spread of these unsafe videos. We want to stress the importance of knowing how your children are accessing the Internet and using apps and having conversations about internet safety with young children and teens. You'll find good tips on how to do this at www.pbs.org/parents as well as other quality sources online.