Technology is woven into nearly every part of our lives—and that includes our children’s lives, too. From educational apps to social media, kids are growing up in a digital world. That’s why it’s so important for parents to start conversations about online safety early and keep them going as children grow.
Whether your child is just beginning to explore the internet or already navigating social platforms, here’s how to guide them safely and confidently.
Start Early and Stay Involved
The best time to talk about online safety is before your child encounters a problem. Start having these conversations early and make the topic a regular part of your family’s routine. As a parent, you set the tone. Be proactive, communicate your expectations clearly, and most importantly, be patient and supportive. Children look to their parents for guidance so make sure they know they can come to you with questions or concerns.
Online Safety for Young Children
Young kids should only use technology under adult supervision, and ideally with parental controls in place. Here are some tools and strategies to help:
- Filtering and blocking: Prevent access to inappropriate websites, apps, or content.
- Blocking outgoing content: Use software that stops kids from sharing personal information.
- Time limits: Set boundaries for how long and when devices can be used.
- Kid-friendly browsers: Choose browsers designed for children with built-in safety features.
- Monitoring tools: Use tools that report on websites visited and app usage.
- Disable in-app purchases: Avoid accidental spending by turning off this feature.
Online Safety for Tweens and Teens
As children grow, they seek more independence—and that includes their online activities. While it’s important to give them space, it’s equally important to stay involved and provide guidance. Here’s how to support tweens and teens:
- Discuss screen time: Set reasonable limits and encourage balance with offline activities.
- Talk about online credibility: Teach them to question what they see and read online.
- Explain digital permanence: Remind them that posts and comments can live online forever.
- Promote respectful behavior: Encourage kindness and responsibility in all online interactions.
- Discuss privacy: Help them understand what information should remain private.
- Highlight consequences: Make sure they know that online actions can have real-world effects.
If your child shares something upsetting or inappropriate they’ve encountered online, stay calm. Work together to understand what happened and how to prevent it in the future.
Encourage Strong Cyber Habits
Good digital habits are essential for staying safe online. Teach your child to:
- Keep software and apps up to date
- Use multi-factor authentication
- Create strong, unique passwords
- Only share personal or financial information on secure websites (look for the “S” in https://)
- Be cautious of “free” offers—they often come with hidden risks
- Recognize and avoid phishing scams
Understand COPPA and Your Child’s Privacy
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is designed to protect the privacy of children under 13. It limits the kind of data websites can collect and how it can be used. As a parent, it’s important to understand these protections and advocate for your child’s privacy online.
Additional Resources
Looking for more tips and conversation starters? The Federal Trade Commission’s Net Cetera guide is a great resource for parents. It offers practical advice on how to talk to your kids about online safety in a way that’s age-appropriate and effective.
Visit Protecting Kids Online | Consumer Advice for additional resources.
