Staying Safe Online this Summer

Catholic Charities’ behavioral health team offers tips for parents and caregivers

Restricting access to cer tain apps. Consider what is suitable for your child based on age and limit exposure to adult content or harmful information. Monitor children’s access by blocking domains and checking your child’s access.

If you think your child is experiencing cyberbullying, Catholic Charities recommends taking the following steps:

• Engage in conversation. Communicate with your child and actively listen to what is happening. Be there to pro vide unconditional support.

• Reinforce safety. Block individuals or remove access to contact through apps or text. Remind your child to report to you or a trusted adult if bullying continues.

• Take action. Gather evidence as needed and contact appropriate authorities if concern of harassment such as making physical threats, coercion, or creation/exchange of sexually explicit content. Seek professional mental health to help with the impacts.

Catholic Charities offers individual, children, and family counseling services throughout the eight coun ties of Western New York. For more information visit, ccwny. org/mental-wellness.