There is a war on for our children in America.

This is the moment parents do not think about until it is too late.

Right now across America during this holiday season, kids have been unwrapping phones, iPads, gaming systems and received gift cards for online games like Roblox and Fortnight.  Also, earbuds – be careful-reports coming out about radiation directly in kids’ ears. I know most media and pr say this radiation is a small amount and harmless but any amount of radiation is not good. just think about what is going into your head. Kind of a no brainer.

Parents see generosity. Kids see independence. And Big Tech sees a new user they can hook for life.

This is not about being against-technology. It is about being honest. We are about truth. These devices are not neutral gifts. They are portals into algorithm driven systems that expose children to content, contact and influence most parents never agreed to.

And here is the uncomfortable truth. The risks do not come later. They begin the minute the device turns on.

So today we want to give parents something practical. What to watch for. What to lock down. What mistakes to avoid. And why this is not a parenting failure problem but a corporate accountability problem.

Because protecting kids in the digital world should not be this hard. And parents should not be left alone to figure it out.

I want to hit on three main points today. 

1. Devices Are Not Toys. They Are Portals.

Parents see phones, iPads and gaming systems as gifts. Kids see freedom. Big Tech sees data, influence and dependency.

The moment a child turns on a device, they are exposed to algorithmic feeds, private messaging, live chats and content funnels that parents never approved and often never see. This is not accidental. These platforms are engineered to bypass parental awareness. (plenty of studies and insiders, whistleblowers that confirm this + Congressional hearings about all)

What parents should do now:
Set devices up together. Delay full access. Turn off private messaging, location sharing and auto play. Do not assume default settings protect your child because they do not. Do not be discouraged. These platforms want you to abandon safety and make it difficult. Plenty of FREE help. Lynnswarriors.org protecyoungeyes.com endsexualexploitation.org

2. Gaming and Social Platforms Are Grooming Environments.

Gaming consoles and social apps are now primary contact points for strangers. Voice chat, DMs – 1-4 sexual dialogue/45% attempt to meet stranger – shocking – and friend requests allow adults to access children without ever entering a physical space.

This is where exploitation begins. Not with explicit content but with familiarity, flattery and always secrecy.

What parents should do now:
Disable open chats. Limit who can communicate with your child. Keep devices out of bedrooms. Expand on this. Ask who your child is talking to and listen without judgment so they tell you the truth.

3. Big Tech Profits From Silence and Confusion. (Meta, X, Snap, TikTok, YouTube,Google)

Parents are told to manage safety alone while platforms quietly expand features that increase risk. There is no meaningful accountability without pressure.

No judgment parents and caregivers. The Warriors are here to raise awareness, educate and engage you. Impossible to keep up. Child safety is not a personal failure issue.

Ding Ding Ding. It is a corporate responsibility issue.

What parents should do now:
Demand transparency from schools, platforms and lawmakers. House.gov senate.gov Support legislation that puts parents back in control. KOSA. Join community efforts like Lynn’s Warriors because collective pressure is the only thing that forces change. Speak up and speak out. Our precious kids. There is a war on for our children.

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The takeaway for parents is simple.

Do not hand a device to a child or teen and hope for the best. Set it up with them. Turn off private messaging. Lock down chat features. Keep devices out of bedrooms. Talk to your kids early and often about who they interact with online.

Parents also need to know they are not alone. There are real resources that help families navigate this. Organizations like Lynn’s Warriors provide guidance, advocacy and community support. Common Sense Media offers device specific safety tools. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has reporting resources every parent should know about such as the CyberTipline. 

And finally, parents should use their voices. Call schools. Call lawmakers. Demand platforms put child safety before profit.

Because the most powerful parental control is not an app. It is an informed, engaged parent who refuses to stay silent.

That is how we protect kids.

Happy New Year!