Keeping Our Children Safe Online

Increased internet usage presents many complicated risks such as children's online privacy. Growing bodies of research confirm the link between increased digital media use and depression and higher instances of addiction, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and obesity As discussed in chapter 1, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act(COPPA) must be updated to safeguard children online. Chapter 2 surveys how selected countries from the European Union (EU), namely France, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom (UK) and the laws of the European Union (EU) itself, provide privacy rights for children online. While social media has changed the way the world communicates, it has also created privacy and safety concerns. Chapter 3 discusses the benefits of social media for children and youth in foster care and provides tips for parents and caregivers who want to help them use social media safely.