Op-ed: Better content creates better outcomes for kids online
Congress Blog, The Hill, op-ed by Nuala O’Connor, President & CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, and Stephen Balkam, CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute:
Before you let your child run freely in your neighborhood playground for the first time, you’ve probably already taught them to stay in your sight at all times. Along with lessons about playing well with others, sharing, and not talking to strangers, you’ve probably also navigated the landscape with them before, teaching them how to play safely within that environment. Chances are, the next playground your child encounters will be a digital one, and as a parent you’ll be left to decide how the age-old rules translate to new apps, social media and games. This playground may not be anything you experienced growing up, but that doesn’t mean that safeguards aren’t in place or that activity should be inhibited.