Summer break is just around the corner, and it’s likely kids and teens will spend more free time on their devices. When structured activities slow down, screens often fill the gap — increasing exposure to online risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to scams and emerging artificial intelligence (AI) threats, the digital world demands greater awareness and caution from families.

For Internet Safety Month, NewBridge Services is sharing essential safety tips and resources to help families stay secure online. “Everyone needs to learn what risks exist in cyberspace, and parents must educate kids about online safety and monitor the websites and apps their children use,” said NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden.

Teens Are Heavily Connected — and Vulnerable

Internet safety awareness is especially crucial for adolescents, who are among the heaviest internet users. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey, nearly all U.S. teens (96%) say they use the internet every day. The share of teens who report being online “almost constantly” has roughly doubled since 2014–2015, up to 46%.

Cyberbullying remains a serious issue, affecting 46% of teens. Common tactics include name-calling, spreading false rumors, and receiving unsolicited explicit images. Sextortion—coercing teens to share sexual content under threat—is on the rise. FBI and Homeland Security investigations identified over 12,600 victims of online financial extortion between 2021 and 2023, most of them boys ages 14 to 17. Tragically, some cases have led to suicide.

AI-generated content adds another layer of complexity, enabling more believable scams, deepfakes, and misinformation. It’s crucial for both parents and teens to approach online content with critical thinking and caution.

Practical Tips to Keep Kids Safe Online

To help protect children and teens online, NewBridge offers these key internet safety tips:
Talk openly about online risks and protecting personal information
Set and enforce clear rules about internet and device use
Use parental controls to block inappropriate content
Monitor social media and gaming platforms
Encourage use of kid-friendly apps and search engines
Limit screen time, especially at night
Teach how to recognize phishing attempts and scams
Discuss cyberbullying and encourage reporting
Model responsible online behavior

NewBridge also offers individual and family counseling, including parent skills training, to help families navigate today’s digital challenges. For more information, contact NewBridge at services@newbridge.org or (973) 316-9333.

While the focus is often on children and teens, adults also fall victim to online threats. Phishing and spoofing remain the most frequently reported internet crimes. In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received approximately 860,000 complaints. Though the number of complaints slightly declined from 2023, reported financial losses jumped dramatically to $16.6 billion. Investment fraud accounted for a significant portion of those losses.

Online Safety Tips for Everyone:

Never share your password
Limit personal information online
Backup data regularly
Use strong, unique passwords
Keep operating systems and antivirus software up to date
Avoid clicking on suspicious links
Monitor your credit reports
Keep sensitive data offline when possible