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Empowering Conversations: How to Talk to Your Kids About Navigating Racism and Harassment Online

As parents and guardians in this new digital age, it's crucial to equip our children with the tools and confidence they need to navigate the digital world safely. With the rise of social media and online interactions, kids are increasingly exposed to racism and harassment. And with this being an election year, the incidence of racism and harassment online is likely to spike as political tensions rise and divisive rhetoric becomes more prevalent. This heightened climate can lead to increased instances of hate speech, discriminatory comments, and harassment, particularly on social media platforms where people can often times hide behind fake personas. It's crucial for parents to be aware of this and proactively address and discuss these issues with their children, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, respectful discourse, and the steps they can take to protect themselves. Having open, honest conversations about these issues can empower them to respond effectively and seek help when needed.


Talking to your kids about navigating racism and harassment online is essential in helping them develop the resilience and skills needed to handle these challenges which in this new digital world are bound to occur. By creating a supportive environment, educating them about online behavior, and encouraging them to report abusive actions, you empower your children to stay safe and contribute to a more respectful and inclusive online community. Open communication and ongoing support are key to helping your child thrive in the digital age.

One of the ways I discuss the issue of racism and harassment online with my 10-year-old is by showing real-life examples through news stories. Recently, I shared with her an article from the Anti-Defamation league on the uptick of harassment and hate speech in the online gaming community. The article reports, "An estimated 83 million of the 110 million online multiplayer gamers in the U.S. were exposed to hate and harassment over the last six months. Three out of four young people (ages 10-17) experience harassment when playing video games." This stat is quite alarming and why it is so important to normalize having these conversations with your child at a young age.

Here are some tips on how to talk to your kids about navigating racism and harassment online and knowing when to report it:

1. Start the Conversation Early: Begin discussions about racism and online behavior early, tailoring the conversation to your child's age and understanding. Use real-life examples or news stories to illustrate the impact of racism and harassment, making the topic more relatable and concrete.

2. Create a Safe Space for Dialogue: Encourage your child to share their online experiences without fear of judgment or punishment. Listen actively and validate their feelings. Assure them that it's okay to feel upset or confused by what they encounter online and that they can always come to you for support.

3. Educate About Online Racism and Harassment: Explain what racism and harassment look like online, including both overt and subtle forms. Discuss the importance of respecting others and standing up against discriminatory behavior, whether directed at them or others.

4. Teach Critical Thinking: Encourage your child to think critically about the content they consume and share online. Help them recognize biased or harmful messages. Discuss the importance of verifying information and understanding context before reacting to or sharing online content.

5. Set Clear Guidelines and Boundaries: Establish clear rules for online behavior, including respectful communication and responsible sharing of personal information. Discuss privacy settings on social media platforms and the importance of controlling who can see their posts and contact them.

6. Role-Play Scenarios: Practice responses to potential situations involving racism or harassment. Role-playing can help your child feel more prepared and confident in handling these encounters. Teach them how to block and report users who engage in abusive behavior and why it’s important to do so.

7. Encourage Reporting and Seeking Help: Emphasize that reporting racism and harassment is a crucial step in combating these issues and protecting themselves and others. Show them how to report abusive behavior on different platforms and explain when it’s necessary to involve school authorities or law enforcement.

8. Empathy and Allyship:
Encourage your child to support friends and peers who may be targets of racism or harassment. Discuss the importance of being an ally and standing up against injustice. Highlight positive examples of online communities and individuals promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

9. Monitor and Support: Keep an eye on your child's online activity and maintain an ongoing dialogue about their experiences. Be mindful of changes in behavior that might indicate they’re struggling with something online. Provide resources, such as books or websites, that offer further education on racism, online safety, and mental health.

10. Model Positive Online Behavior: Lead by example in your online interactions. Show your child how to engage respectfully and responsibly on social media. Share stories of positive online interactions and how digital platforms can be used for good.

Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate

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