Once, I took on the journey to ask young teens about their very first internet exploration, and that made me hear really interesting stories.
However, among those tales, one such report was quite alarming as it was about a website called 4Chan.
I’m sure you might be wondering what this website is about and why I used such a fearful term.
Well, those who are familiar with this website know how risky it is for young teens to navigate sites like 4Chan.
However, those without an idea about this platform can scroll out this blog to the bottom to grasp everything about it.
4Chan is an imageboard website where users can anonymously discuss various topics including music, movies, sports, technology, and politics.
To put it simply, on this platform, users or anyone visiting this site can share or post about everything revolving in their mind - you can take the example of the most disgusting content that has ever hit your mind.
And you know what was the shocking part I came across - that this website was launched by a 15-year-old boy named Christopher Poole - I guess that’s a really very small age to come out with this kind of concept.
Moving ahead we’ll discuss the risks involved in this website, and how parents can safeguard kids from the harmful impacts of 4Chan.
The website 4chan has gained a controversial reputation due to its association with a variety of internet subcultures, including some that engage in offensive or illegal activities.
As you dive more into it, there are many other potential risks associated with this site, some are below:
Indecent Content: On this website called 4Chan, people deliberately post and share content anonymously that may include violence self-harm, eating disorders, or discrimination toward some groups of people.
Such inappropriate content on this website is easily accessible and can have a hurtful impact on immature minds.
Web Harasser: While navigating 4Chan, your kids may encounter online predators commenting and posting offensive or inflammatory statements in their name or may send abusive material to them.
Such behavior towards young teens can damage their innocence.
No Accountability and Moderation: Since 4chan doesn’t have a system of usernames and passwords, anyone can enter this website for free, as do your toddlers too.
The only requirement is to agree to a disclaimer before browsing the content they have been looking for.
Also, there’s no control over what has been shared or discussed on this website.
Home to Extremist Groups: Such sites are often the birthplace of extremist groups where they target young minds to promote and spread hate speech and extremist ideologies.
No Parental Controls: 4Chan is an adult site, so possibly for this reason the developer didn't find any use in designing built-in parental control features on this website.
In that case, there is no feature involved in this website that can ensure your kids’ safety on this website.
So, considering these above factors, the site has a perfect environment for developing a mental illness among young teens.
It is understandable why parents’ concerns arise when they hear the word 4Chan when people here have posted incredibly offensive pictures and content.
That’s why here I have come up with some effective measures you can implement to ensure your child’s safety:
Conversation on Internet safety: It’s vital to once have a serious talk with your kids on the rising cases of online harm and dangers, and how one can protect themselves from the potential factors.
This conversation will help them learn what risks they can face while navigating the digital world, and what measures they should take in that situation.
Openly exchange of views: While the conversation is on board, you must note down your kid's opinion and views on their thoughts about online use and websites like 4 chan.
It will help you scrutinize to what extent your kids are involved in the digital world.
Set Boundaries and Limitations: As you analyze your kids’ reviews on internet use, it’s time to set boundaries and limitations.
You must first discuss it with your kids to have both sides consent.
Encourage them to talk: As it is said, any bond is built on trust. So, you must make them believe that you are always there to support them whenever they face any online trouble.
Involved in other activities: Encourage them to participate in other essential activities whether it’s hobbies, outdoor sports, or anything that can help them develop their mental and physical health.
Keep in mind that you can set as much machinery security as you want, but it will not stop them from being digital citizens, for better or worse.
Therefore, the focus should be on making them good digital citizens rather than not digital citizens at all.
As we all know, how tricky the online planet is. Anyone, including your children, can accidentally stumble on sites like 4Chan and 12chan by typing in the wrong web address or clicking on pop-up advertisements or links in emails.
This may lead them to view inappropriate content that may be damaging to a young person’s health and well-being.
That’s why parents are suggested to be more attentive to their kids’ online activities and go ahead with the safety measures discussed in this blog.