Keeping neurodiverse kids safe online

With children’s social media use on the rise, it’s natural for parents to wonder what effect increased screen time is having on their children. Never has so much information been available to children and teens; but what’s the result of a generation that has never experienced life without the internet?

This can be especially worrying for parents of children who have been diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition. The term neurodiversity refers to the ways that some brains do not function in the ‘’typical’’ way, like those of the rest of the population. Neurodiverse conditions can include learning disabilities, difficulties, or chronic mental health conditions (such as bipolar or borderline personality disorder).

The term “neurodiversity” was coined in the 90s by an autistic sociologist, Judy Singer. It’s important to note that, when speaking of neurodiverse conditions, the goal is not to find a ‘’cure’’—rather, research is carried out to understand how neurodiversity impacts thought patterns, perception, and behaviour. Those who identify as neurodiverse see the world in a different way, and it’s important that schools and workplaces embrace neurodiversity, to allow those with different conditions learn, contribute, and be included. Singer’s work has raised awareness and reduced stigma by teaching society that there are other ways people learn that is diverse – neurodiversity is a bonus – not a character flaw.

There are many different types of neurodiverse conditions, including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) also referred to as Dyspraxia
• Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
• Epilepsy
• Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Specific Learning Disorder/ Differences e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia.

It can be a challenge for parents to keep their children safe online, but what if your child has a neurodiverse condition that makes them vulnerable to online dangers?

Having a child with a neurodiverse condition can bring challenges to parenting, especially when it comes to online safety. There are benefits and costs to allowing your child to explore the internet freely, especially when they have a neurodiverse condition. These benefits might include your child:

• Feeling free and equal – not having to hide their condition online.
• Having easy access to learning and support from others with the same conditions.
• Finding it easier to connect with peers without the pressure of social norms.
• Children with learning disabilities find it easier to connect online than face to face, according to Mencap.

Of course, there are also worries that many parents of neurodiverse children have that are valid and may lead to problems, such as having difficulties in relationships or feeling isolated from society. Here are some other facts to consider:

• Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are 12% more likely to experience cyberbullying, according to Anti-bullying Alliance.
• Naïve or vulnerable children are at increased risk of online grooming. 
• Long term use of online devices is unhealthy for children.
• Research suggests that due to its dopamine-releasing effects, internet use can feel good and become addictive.
• Prolonged internet use can also lead to physical problems, such as weight gain if children are not getting enough exercise, or trouble sleeping due to the light produced by screens, affecting the sleep cycle, and causing insomnia.

Can Internet use be Addictive for Children?

There are differing views on what constitutes online addiction, problematic behaviour, and behavioural disorders that stem from children being online. Research shows that being online releases feel-good hormones, which naturally create a desire to want more.

Every child is unique, and will have their own wants, needs, and boundaries when it comes to online use. It is important that you decide for yourself whether you feel your child is spending too much time online and if the problems are outweighing the costs. In 1998, Dr. Kimberly Young developed the Internet Addiction Assessment that includes a 20-item questionnaire, that you can use as a tool to help you and your child. 

Brain development

It is unclear whether using the internet and technological devices for children harms their brain development. Longer studies need to be developed before finding an answer. However, it has been established that children’s developing brains are malleable; meaning their brains are shaped by the information they absorb, which they take in like a sponge. So, although we may not understand the long-term effects of online influence on brain development now, it is evident and well documented that the content that children view leaves an impression and provokes thought, action, and behaviour, both wanted and unwanted.

How you can protect your child online

It is important to keep children safe when they are online, and there are steps you can take to manage this.

• Set ground rules about when and where your child is accessing the internet.
• Set a time limit of phone or internet use.
• Get chores and homework done first before you let them go online.
• Make sure your child is taking breaks from the screen.
• Turn off your child’s device an hour before bedtime.
• Talk to them about dangers of talking to strangers, both online and offline.
• Explain online dos and don’ts such as never giving away personal information.
• Use parental control to monitor what sites can be accessed by your child using guides from internet matters.
• If they have come across any harmful or explicit online content, talk to them about it. 

As your child gets older, your responses and ways of protecting them online will change. You can’t eliminate all risks and dangers in the world; however, you can still be there when your child needs you. Try to stay as open and non-judgemental as you can, so if your child does run into difficulties, they feel able to talk to you. For more information and support, contact your assistance programme.

This information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician or mental health professional and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health or mental health professional if you have questions about a medical condition or plan of treatment.