Parent Finds Inappropriate Content on 12-Year-Old's Phone

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Answer:

Parenting is a tough job, and in this day and age, there are so many additional areas where a child must be monitored.

Unfortunately, it’s easy for a simple, innocent search on the Internet to result in exposure to inappropriate content. There are even inappropriate content​ sites with animated characters to make kids think they have found a kids' website. Because you found inappropriate content​ on your son’s phone, we suggest that he lose his cell phone and Internet privileges completely (except for schoolwork) for a period of time, and that when those privileges are returned, that he be monitored at all times. You also can talk to him about how the inappropriate content got on his phone, and find out if you can put a block on the phone so he can’t access certain harmful websites.

Because your son has been exposed to graphic sexual content, you also may want to consider having him see a counselor or therapist. Hopefully, his access to inappropriate content has not been going on for a long time, and he will be able to move on and become involved in positive, age-appropriate activities.