If you think your teen’s doing something shady on the Internet, you may want to check if they’ve been lurking on the Dark Web.
This is a hidden part of the Internet that can only be accessed through a special browser, and cybercriminals often use it to trade illegal products, distribute violent or child abuse content, and share viruses or malware, among others. Sadly, some teenagers have found their way into this digital version of No Man’s Land as they attempt to engage in illicit activities online.
According to reports, teenagers usually go on the Dark Web to buy illegal substances, which often results in grave repercussions. One recent example of this is Will Horley, an English teen who had a fatal reaction to a drug called tramadol. The drug was reportedly bought by Horley from a friend, who bought it from a seller on the Dark Web.
Having access to unregulated content and communicating with potentially dangerous individuals online can put your teen in harm’s way. Letting your children know about the risks of using the Dark Web, and helping them to make better choices online can keep them away from the sketchy side of the Internet. Here’s how you can protect your teenager from the dangers of the Dark Web.
Empower Them to Make Smart Choices
Most teenagers make poor choices since their brains work differently than adults when making decisions. Add the fact that they’re naturally curious, and that makes them more likely to do things that they’re not supposed to do, such as going on the Dark Web. Like most things, the Dark Web has its pros and cons. Since it keeps users anonymous, using the Dark Web can be beneficial, especially if it’s used to protect the privacy of people who are in danger.
People living under authoritarian governments may also use it to bypass censorship and inform the rest of the world what’s going on in their country. What’s more, government organizations can use it to pass sensitive information without having to worry about leaks or being hacked.
But since it’s primarily used by individuals engaging in felonious activities, you’ll need to tell your teen all the reasons why these people may want to use the Dark Web anonymously and how that can be dangerous for them. If you find out that they’ve been exploring this part of the Internet, have an honest conversation with them, and guide them so they can make better choices in the future.
Ask them why they’re accessing the platform– oftentimes, they just want to satisfy their curiosity and know what else is out there. Let them know the importance of digital privacy and how it can help them to be safe online and in real life. Also, remind them that people who want to get them involved in illegal activities may say anything just to win their trust.
Check Devices for Potentially Harmful Software
The Dark Web can be accessed by anyone who downloads a software called Tor. After it’s been downloaded, it’s used to access “onion” web browsers, which are characterized by the “.onion” domain. Since these browsers are a lot slower than conventional browsers, they may enable websites to infect your devices with a host of viruses. Check computers, tablets, and tablets for the Tor software, as well as other Dark Web softwares like FreeNet, then delete them right away.
If your teen insists that they’re merely using Tor to surf the web anonymously, let them know that they can use Google’s Incognito mode instead. As an added layer of protection, use a VPN to keep your family’s online activity hidden from cybercriminals. You may also want to consider installing antivirus and anti-malware to protect your home network, and see to it that all your devices are up to date with the latest security features.
Limit Screen Time
Enforcing rules to limit your teen’s screen time can be met with resistance, especially if your teenager needs to use their devices for school. If that’s the case, it’s unrealistic to expect them to agree to use their phone or laptop for only an hour or two per day. But as a parent, you still need to find ways to regulate their screen time, which may help to prevent them from being exposed to harmful content.
The key is to do it in reasonable ways. For instance, you can ask your teen to leave their phone in their room during mealtimes. You may also want to keep all computers and laptops out of their bedroom by setting up a home office in a spare room or in the living room.
Finally, suggest screen-free activities that you can all do together during your downtime. Try playing board games, go for a walk, engage in art activities, or teach them how to cook. Doing tech-free activities may help your teen to disconnect from their devices and be less invested in the Dark Web.
The hidden part of the Internet is teeming with dangerous people and content that can pose a threat to your teen’s safety, health, and security. Take active steps to protect your teenager from the dangers of the Dark Web, and guide them to make good decisions, in real life and online.
Also read:
How to Manage My Teen’s Screen Time
How to Find Out Who Your Teen Is Talking to Online
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