As information and entertainment at our fingertips, the internet becomes one of the most essential parts of modern life. Nonetheless, for the little ones it implies freedom in the virtual world and access to various types of threats that parents and guardians must know about.

How Children Can Suffer from Too Much Screen Time without Monitoring:
1. Child Exposure to Inappropriate Online Content: The internet is full of inappropriate things for kids (e.g. violent images, explicit videos, hate speech). Even simple looking search may get you something horrifying. Such exposure can scar children emotionally and hinder their development.
2. Young children are especially susceptible to cyberbullying and online predators: That they might be pursued using social media, online games or chat rooms which can cause them emotional distress, anxiety and even physical harm.
3. Their Safety: The risk grows further because the kid can unknowingly give personal information online which may end up attracting many perpetrators to cause fraud through identity theft and data breaches. This data could be applied for nefarious purposes like personalized adverting or con schemes.
4. Addiction and Developmental Concerns: A child’s social skills, academic performance, and physical health can be impaired by a child’s addiction-like behaviors developing as a result of spending too much time watching television or using the internet without supervision. It may also curb critical thinking and problem solving skills.
5. Misinformation and Online Scams: Young children are not able to effectively distinguish between reliable information from misinformation online. This can encourage formation of false beliefs or expose them to online scams that prey on their innocence.

Ways to Protect Young Children Online:
- Parental Supervision and Open Communication: Active parental participation is important. A parent should keep an eye on the child’s online activities, limit screen time as well as talk openly about internet hazards.
- Content Filtering and Parental Control Tools: Use parental control programs and content filters to restrain access to sites or apps that are not suitable for children.
- Education and Media Literacy: Educate kids concerning their safety across the internet such as defending private information, discerning dubious conduct and informing adults of their concerns.
- Create a Safe Online Environment: Allocate certain electronic devices for youngsters’ use only while setting down clear-cut guidelines on cyberspace behavior.
- Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you observe any addictions, cyberbullying incidents or emotional breakdowns in them, contact a therapist or counselor who specializes in child online safety.

Remember, the internet cannot be a substitute for a parent. It is vital that responsible adults take the lead in protecting children who are digital natives. We can ensure that the young kids make the best of internet by setting limits, encouraging dialogue and giving them relevant information suitable to their age group.