As a Tech Professional and Parent, Online Safety is Always on My Mind

Sean O’Grady, the head of Trust and Safety at Pocket Worlds, has a deep-rooted passion for online safety, stemming from his personal experiences with gaming and his professional background in trust and safety at TikTok. In a recent conversation, O’Grady shared valuable insights on how parents can navigate the complexities of online safety for their children.

Growing up, O’Grady and his brother immersed themselves in the captivating worlds of Nintendo games like Mario and Zelda. These early experiences sparked his love for gaming and technology. As an adult, O’Grady has witnessed the evolution of the internet and online gaming, recognizing both the promise and the dangers they present. He likens the internet to an ocean, full of wonders but also fraught with risks that require careful navigation.

Having worked in trust and safety roles at TikTok and now at Pocket Worlds, O’Grady is acutely aware of the importance of online safety, especially for young people. As a father of two young daughters, aged 4 and 7, he emphasizes the need for parents to actively engage in ensuring their children’s safety in the digital realm.

One key piece of advice O’Grady offers is to foster resilience in kids. While some parents may advocate for eliminating screen time altogether, O’Grady believes that this approach is not practical in today’s digital age. Instead, he suggests building digital literacy in children, educating them about online dangers, and encouraging open communication about any uncomfortable experiences they may encounter online.

O’Grady also highlights the importance of balancing online activities with real-world responsibilities. Drawing from his military experience, he cautions against the addictive nature of online gaming and the potential negative impact it can have on individuals’ performance and well-being. Parents should be mindful of how gaming and online activities can affect their children’s real lives and set appropriate boundaries.

Anonymity is another crucial aspect of online safety that O’Grady addresses. In today’s digital landscape, the ability to remain anonymous online can lead to harassment, exploitation, and misinformation. Parents should educate their children about the risks associated with anonymity and encourage them to be cautious when interacting with strangers online.

Additionally, O’Grady advises parents to discuss gaming expenses with their children, as in-game purchases can have real-world financial implications and open the door for manipulation. Setting clear guidelines around spending, avoiding direct transactions with other users, and safeguarding personal information are essential steps to protect children from potential risks.

When it comes to parental controls, O’Grady emphasizes the importance of actively monitoring and utilizing available tools to protect children from inappropriate content online. He shares a cautionary tale of a friend whose young daughter accessed unsuitable content on a social media platform due to lax parental controls. Taking the time to set up and enforce content protections is crucial in ensuring a safe online environment for children.

Lastly, O’Grady encourages parents to leverage resources and organizations dedicated to online safety, such as NetSmartz, Common Sense Media, and the Family Online Safety Institute. These platforms offer valuable information and tools to help parents navigate the ever-changing landscape of online safety and make informed decisions about their children’s online activities.

In conclusion, Sean O’Grady’s insights shed light on the importance of proactive parental involvement in ensuring online safety for children. By fostering resilience, promoting responsible online behavior, and utilizing available resources, parents can empower their children to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. As O’Grady continues to advocate for online safety, he remains committed to serving and protecting young people in the digital age.