Creepy characters like Slender Man or Huggy Wuggy. Dangerous online challenges. Songs or videos that aren’t suitable for youngsters. When things like these begin trending online, it can be difficult to prevent children accidently stumbling across them — especially if they use a range of platforms, like online games, social media, streaming sites or messaging apps. A trend can originate in one online space and rapidly spread to other platforms or via chat apps. The frightening Huggy Wuggy character, for instance, first emerged as part of a game on Steam; now there are parody songs on TikTok, videos on YouTube and more than 45,000 results for #huggywuggy on Instagram.
Advice For Parents & Carers
USE SAFETY FEATURES
Enable safety settings like Google SafeSearch and the optional restrictions on video-sharing platforms like YouTube. Whenever possible, stick to YouTube Kids for young children, as the software will help to filter out unsuitable content. Remember that filters aren’t always enough to block all inappropriate material — especially when child-friendly videos have been edited maliciously.
LESS IS BEST
Manage the number of online platforms your child has access to, based on their age and maturity. Just because their friends use a certain game or app, it doesn’t mean your child must have it too. Follow the age guidelines for games and apps, check regularly that privacy settings are in place.
KEEP IT COMMUNAL
Encourage your child to stay in a communal family space when they’re watching videos or playing online games on their devices — without headphones, if possible. This will make it far easier for you to keep one eye (and ear) on what they are seeing and hearing while they are online.
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