This drawing was handed to us during a regular school activity in Lebanon. At first glance, it may seem like a child’s doodle. But when we look closer, it reflects a deeper concern, a representation of sexual content that a child saw, processed, and drew.
This isn’t a one-off case.
Many children today are exposed to unfiltered sexual content on TikTok, often without any adult supervision. These platforms are not designed for children, yet many students use them freely.
We’ve observed:
- Children sharing sexualized content with one another.
- Early exposure leading to premature curiosity and even imitative behaviors
- A normalization of explicit content that deeply impacts children’s development and understanding of relationships, boundaries, and consent.
As child protection actors, this raises urgent #redflags.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Digital Supervision Policies in Schools: Clear rules on mobile phone use and platform access during school hours.
2. Awareness Sessions for Parents and Teachers: On digital safety, signs of exposure, and how to talk to children about what they see online.
Apple Devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac): Family Sharing & Screen Time
Step-by-Step:
Set Up Family Sharing
• Go to Settings > [your name] > Family Sharing.
• Add your child’s Apple ID or create one for them.
Activate Screen Time
• Go to Settings > Screen Time > [Child’s Name].
• Enable restrictions for:
• App usage (set time limits per app)
• Content & privacy (filter web content, block explicit material)
• Downtime (control when the device can be used)
App Store & Purchases Control
• Enable Ask to Buy: You’ll get a notification when your child tries to download an app.
• Prevent installation of new apps or deleting apps.
See Screen Time Reports
• Weekly reports on app usage, screen time, and most-used apps.
Android Devices: Google Family Link (through Play Store)
Step-by-Step:
1. Download Google Family Link
• On both parent and child’s devices from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Link Your Google Accounts
• Create a Google account for your child or link their existing one.
• Pair the devices using the Family Link app.
Set Digital Rules
• Approve or block app downloads.
• See screen time, app usage, and location.
• Set daily screen time limits.
• Lock the device remotely.
Filter Content
• Block mature content on Google Search, Chrome, and YouTube (enable YouTube Kids for younger children).
3. Empower Children with Critical Thinking: Age-appropriate conversations about media literacy, body safety, and emotional regulation.
4. Counseling and Reporting Mechanisms: Safe, confidential channels in schools to report and discuss inappropriate content.
5. Collaborate with the Ministry of Education: To push for national guidelines on tech use and child safeguarding in all educational spaces.
This is not just a digital issue it’s a child protection crisis. We need schools, parents, and everyone to act collectively.
Let’s build safer digital and physical spaces for our children where curiosity is guided, not exploited.
