A 4D Approach to Online Safety

Children of all ages are spending more and more time on devices. Online schoolwork and staying connected to family members are positive ways children can use technology. And while video games and social media apps are ways for children to connect and “play” with friends, these platforms are also a breeding ground for inappropriate content and predators. So, in the same way parents educate their children on awareness and danger in the physical world, danger in the virtual world should also be addressed.

There is a multitude of apps and software that can block certain content and help parents monitor their children’s online activities. Still, nothing compares to parents being attuned to what their children are doing virtually. Keeping an open, age-appropriate dialogue about this can help children make smart online choices and stay safe. By applying the SKILLZ program approach to child development and the Parent SKILLZ ideas, parents can tackle this subject in the most effective way possible.

Intellectual: Children are smart, and even the youngest know how to navigate social media and the internet, often, better than their parents. And while this can be useful in some ways, it can create a pathway to inappropriate content and dangerous situations. By connecting one-on-one with their children, parents can educate them on the potential risks of varying online activities. This will help children to be more cautious and smarter about their virtual choices.

Social: The virtual world has been a means for people of all ages to connect with friends and even make new ones. Children frequently use social media apps and online games to spend time with their friends and for the past few months, this was one of the only ways they could stay connected. However, the increased use of this medium has created more chances for predators to interact with children. To help them avoid any threats to their own well-being, parents should prompt children to make appropriate social choices online and only engage with those they know.

Emotional: While the world wide web has a lot of useful information, it also has a lot of negative material that can be emotionally overwhelming. Children often come across this content when friends post about it or simply when scrolling through various social media apps. This constant flood of negativity can be traumatizing, especially when parents aren’t attuned to how this is affecting their children. Therefore, it’s essential that parents are in tune with any significant changes in their child’s emotions and continuously check in with them.

Physical: When we think of online activities, we are often not concerned with our physical safety. Children, especially, don’t understand the physical danger that can come from information and photos they share online. From posting a selfie from their current location to their neighborhood entrance sign being visible in the background of a picture, predators can gain lots of information from seemingly innocent posts. Therefore, parents must be consistent in monitoring their children’s posts to ensure that any revealing information about their physical location is hidden.

As the requirements for the use of technology continue to grow, parents must be even more diligent in monitoring their children’s online activities. In the same way that there are threats in a community, there are also dangers online. But when parents keep their children’s development and safety top of mind by being proactive with education and supervision, the benefits that come with the use of technology will outweigh any fears.


Learn more about our kids karate programs & how to schedule your first lesson below!

A 4D Approach to Online Safety

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About our programs

Early SKILLZ
Preschool - Kindergarten

3–4 year-olds are naturally curious. They might not be ready for the rigid structure of a traditional martial arts class ... but they do need to start learning about appropriate social behavior!

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Basic SKILLZ
1st Grade - 3rd Grade

It's often easy for teachers and parents to overestimate 5-6 year old children. They're better at following directions and paying attention than younger children, but they still need some help controlling themselves and focusing on tasks.
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Core SKILLZ
3rd Grade - 5th Grade

Children are like sponges. They absorb things quickly and easily - far more easily than we do as adults. Not only are they getting healthier as they learn martial arts, but they're also learning the value of self-discipline and respect.
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Junior Karate SKILLZ
Middle School Program

Karate may normally make you think of self-defense, fitness, and discipline ... the truth is, it's all of that and WAY more!
Our program helps our students build skills that they can APPLY to every area of their life and empower them to be the very best they can possibly be!



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Teens Karate
High School Program

Instead of giving into the moodiness and attitude, take them to our dojo instead! Teenagers are smart and capable - but they can also be their own worst enemies. Between peer pressure, their innate urge to rebel against their parents, and their surging hormones, they can be impossible to be around. But all they need is an outlet for their frustrations - and an opportunity to be their best.- DISCOVER -

Adult Karate
Ages 17+

Martial arts training is fun, empowering, and provides a great workout for adults. Studying martial arts is something that anybody - at any age or fitness level - can do. Our programs make learning fun, empowering, and provides a great workout for busy parents!



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