And that’s just one topic among many that parents are faced with in an increasingly digital age.
Growing up looks different now than it did a generation ago. Most parents today didn’t have smartphones in their hands while simultaneously navigating the typical challenges of childhood. And while growing up has always had its challenges and associated risks, parents probably never imagined having to talk to kids about things like sexting, nudes, or online grooming.
These conversations are awkward, challenging, and difficult to get started. That’s why we’ve built a new digital resource hub for parents concerned about their kids’ safety as they grow up online.
Introducing Thorn for Parents.
of teens agree it’s normal for people their age to share nudes with each other.
Kids aged 9-17 are having online romantic or sexual encounters with peers and adults at nearly the same rate.
More than half of kids and parents mostly or exclusively blame the child in the photo when nudes are leaked.
Starting conversations early is one of the most powerful actions parents can take to help defend their children from the risks of growing up online. According to a Thorn survey, the window to talk to kids about these issues shrinks as time goes on: 40% of 9-12 year olds turned to offline support such as a parent, caregiver, or other trusted adult, when they encountered a potentially harmful experience online — yet that number drops by half for 13-17 year olds.
Thorn for Parents provides age-appropriate information, conversation starters, and discussion guides to ensure parents have what they need to embrace the awkward with greater confidence.
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