Parents in the United States increasingly rely on content-monitoring apps that use algorithms to scan their children's texts, photos, emails, and chats. The apps flag material they deem dangerous and issue alerts to parents.
These tools have prevented suicide attempts, intercepted predators, and averted school shootings, according to child-safety researchers. However, the apps can also cause harm through false alarms, unnecessary interventions, and damaged family trust.
Child-safety researchers have begun identifying alternative approaches to protecting children online. The researchers say better methods exist for addressing parents' growing concerns about digital harms.
