Our Mission
Raising Awareness About Digital Dangers (RAADD) empowers parents and children in the digital era. We promote play-based childhood and real-world interactions through weekly meetings and resources, fostering a community of shared ideas for safe digital engagement. RAADD addresses the impact of smartphones and social media on children's health and legal risks, providing vital guidance to protect them.
Mental Health
Anxiety and Depression: Excessive use of social media can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression in children. They may experience pressure to fit in, fear of missing out (FOMO), and low self-esteem from comparing themselves to others.
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Self-esteem and Body Image Issues: The anonymity and reach of social media can facilitate cyberbullying, which can have severe psychological effects. Victims of cyberbullying may suffer from increased anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
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Addiction: The constant need to check notifications and engage with social media can lead to addictive behaviours. This addiction can interfere with daily activities, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Criminal Code Implications
Cyberbullying and Harassment: The Criminal Code of Canada addresses cyberbullying and online harassment. Activities such as distributing intimate images without consent, uttering threats, and online harassment are criminal offenses.
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Child Exploitation: The internet can expose children to risks of exploitation and abuse. The Criminal Code includes provisions against child pornography, luring a child via telecommunications, and other forms of exploitation.
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Privacy Violations: Sharing personal information without consent can lead to privacy violations. Children need to be aware of the legal implications of sharing personal data and the importance of protecting their privacy online.
Physical Health
Sleep Disruption: Using smartphones, especially before bed, can disrupt sleep patterns due to the blue light emitted by screens, which affects the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
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Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to obesity and related health issues. Lack of physical activity can negatively impact overall physical development.
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Eye Strain and Posture Issues: Extended use of smartphones can cause digital eye strain, leading to symptoms like dry eyes and headaches. Poor posture while using devices can result in musculoskeletal problems, including neck and back pain.
Digital Dangers For Children
Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Children can accidentally or deliberately access inappropriate content, including violence, pornography, and harmful misinformation, which can negatively impact their development and worldview.
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Online Predators: Predators can exploit social media and online platforms to groom and exploit children. They often pose as peers to gain trust and manipulate children into sharing personal information or engaging in inappropriate activities.
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Scams and Fraud: Children can fall victim to online scams, including phishing, identity theft, and fraudulent schemes, which can have financial and emotional repercussions.
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Privacy Risks: Sharing too much personal information online can lead to privacy breaches and identity theft. Children may not fully understand the long-term consequences of their digital footprint.
Mitigating Risks & Promoting Safe Use
Parental Supervision and Monitoring: Parents should actively monitor their children's online activities, set boundaries for screen time, and use parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content.
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Education on Digital Literacy: Teaching children about digital literacy, including the importance of privacy, recognizing scams, and understanding the potential risks of online interactions, can empower them to make safer choices.
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Open Communication: Encouraging open communication between parents and children about their online experiences can help children feel comfortable reporting any issues or concerns they encounter.
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Legal Awareness: Educating children about the legal implications of their online actions, including the consequences of cyberbullying and sharing inappropriate content, can promote responsible behaviour.