In light of recent events and the huge scandal called #PandoraGate, it's worth revisiting the topic of our children's digital safety.
For some time, educators have been sounding the alarm. In most schools, strict rules apply regarding the use of mobile phones. Continuous educational activities and preventive measures on safe Internet use are also being conducted. Unfortunately, this problem is often trivialized by the family environment, which, as we know, significantly influences the functioning of young people.
Studies show that about 91% of children aged 10 to 15 use a smartphone daily[1]. The vast majority browse content on YouTube daily. More and more children are also using social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, where they follow their idols and communicate through Messenger or Discord. Meanwhile, as many as 69%[2] of teenagers admit that their parents do not use parental control tools. Adults not only fail to monitor the amount of time spent in front of the screen but, worse, have no idea what content their child is viewing or with whom they are communicating. Furthermore, in as many as 39%[3] of homes, there are no rules regarding Internet use.
Children of various ages watch patostreams, live broadcasts where vulgar, violent, and harmful content is presented. Their creators impress young viewers with their behavior, popularity, and the large sums of money they earn in this way. Alarmingly, some younger students know at least one patostreamer. Until now, they have been promoted in the public sphere – participating in interviews, advertising various brands and products. Children watch their streams, follow their social media accounts, and often try to contact them. Worse, they often seem to see nothing alarming in these contents. They frequently imitate them: engaging in risky behaviors, insulting peers, applying psychological violence, for instance, calling children who report a problem to a teacher a "snitch"[4].
The #PandoraGate scandal revealed an unknown, even darker side of patostreamers and their creators. Materials surfaced online suggesting that several of them had inappropriately communicated with individuals under 15. Some also received nude photos from underage female fans. The case is currently under investigation by the prosecution.
In light of this information, it is really worth considering whether we are adequately protecting our children from the dangers of the digital world. It is important to remember that even the best parental control tools cannot replace interest, conversation, and basic rules prevailing in the family home.
[1] Research by the Founding National Media Institute, Warsaw 2022
[2] Lange R. [ed.], Report from the nationwide NASTOLATKI 3.0 student survey, Warsaw 2021, p. 103
[3] Ibid., p. 105
[4] a term used by criminals, meaning a snitch