With Halloween just around the corner, Springfield parents are gearing up for trick‑or‑treating while also navigating a new concern: political advertisements that target children online. KY3’s Emily Pritchard gathered practical advice from local safety officials, school counselors, and technology experts to help families enjoy a fun, secure holiday and keep kids from being exposed to partisan messaging.
Neighborhood Safety Basics
Springfield Police Department Officer Mark Jensen reminded residents that the classic safety rules still apply. Walk with children in well‑lit areas, stay on sidewalks, and keep flashlights handy. “Make sure every house you visit has a clearly visible “trick‑or‑treat” sign,” Jensen said. “If a house is dark or the porch is empty, it’s best to move on.” He also urged parents to inspect candy before letting kids eat it, discarding any unwrapped or suspicious items.
Protecting Kids from Political Ads
While candy is the usual focus, many parents are now confronting political ads that appear on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services. These ads can be tailored to a child’s interests, using bright graphics and upbeat music that mask the underlying partisan message.
Springfield School District counselor Lisa Morales explained that the district’s media‑literacy curriculum now includes a module on recognizing political content. “We teach students to ask who is paying for the message and why it’s being shown,” Morales said. “Even young children can spot obvious cues, like a candidate’s name or a campaign slogan.”
Technical Steps to Block Ads
Technology consultant Aaron Blake offered a quick checklist for families:
- Enable parental controls: Most streaming services have a “Kids” profile that limits ad types. Turn on the setting and verify that it blocks political content.
- Use ad‑blocking extensions: Browser add‑ons such as uBlock Origin can filter out political ad domains. Parents should install them on devices their children use.
- Adjust social‑media settings: On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, set the account to “private” and limit ad personalization by opting out of interest‑based ads in the privacy menu.
- Monitor screen time: Keep an eye on what children are watching. If a video seems to shift from cartoons to a campaign message, pause and discuss it.
Community Resources
The Springfield Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local businesses to distribute “Trick‑or‑Treat Safety” flyers that include QR codes linking to a short video on ad‑blocking tips. Additionally, the public library will host a free workshop on October 30th titled “Safe Screens for Kids,” where parents can learn hands‑on how to set up parental controls on popular devices.
Balancing Fun and Vigilance
Both safety officials and educators agree that Halloween should remain a joyful tradition. By combining traditional safety measures with modern digital safeguards, Springfield families can protect their children from both physical hazards and unwanted political messaging.
For more detailed instructions on setting up parental controls, visit the Springfield Police Department’s website or call the community safety hotline at (417) 555‑0123.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
