In today’s digital world, children spend more time online than ever before. They use the internet to study, play games, talk to friends, and explore new ideas. While technology brings a lot of benefits, it also comes with risks that can be worrying for parents and caregivers.
To help, we asked a child protection expert to answer the five most common questions parents have about online safety. Along with answers, we’ve added practical tips and real-life examples so you can take simple steps to keep your children safe online.
1. I am worried about my child going online. Should I stop them?
It is natural to feel concerned when your child spends time on the internet, especially when you hear stories about cyberbullying, online predators, or harmful content. However, stopping your child from going online completely is not realistic or helpful.
The internet is part of daily life and offers many opportunities for children to learn, socialize, and be creative. They can access educational resources, stay connected with friends, and even develop valuable digital skills for the future. Instead of banning internet use, the goal should be to help your child use it safely and responsibly.
For example, rather than forbidding social media, you could sit with your child and go through privacy settings together. Explain why it is important not to share personal information and show them how to block or report inappropriate behavior. By being involved, you teach them how to handle challenges when they arise.
2. What can I do to keep my child safe online?
The most powerful tool you have is open and honest communication. Talk to your child regularly about what they do online, the apps they use, and the people they interact with. Avoid blaming or shaming them if they share something that worries you.
You can start simple: ask them who they chat with online or if there is anything they have seen that makes them uncomfortable. Let them know they can come to you without fear of getting into trouble. This kind of trust will make it easier for your child to ask for help if they ever encounter online exploitation, cyberbullying, or harmful content.
It is also important to teach your child that their online actions have real-world consequences. For instance, if they post a mean comment about someone, it can hurt that person’s feelings. On the other hand, being kind and respectful online can build strong friendships.
You might also want to remind them that people who harm children online are often someone they know or trust, not always strangers. Explain what warning signs to look for, like someone asking them to keep secrets or share private photos.
3. What online safety tools should I use?
Many apps and devices already have built-in tools to help keep children safe. As a parent, you should become familiar with them.
For example:
- Most browsers and search engines have a Safe Search setting you can turn on in the settings menu.
- Smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles often have parental controls that allow you to set time limits and filter harmful content.
- Popular platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and TikTok have guides for parents on how to keep kids safe while using their services.
If your child is young, you can also use kid-friendly apps or streaming services designed specifically for children. This can limit the chance of them stumbling upon inappropriate material.
4. How can I protect my child’s data and privacy?
Protecting privacy is just as important as protecting your child from harmful content. Start by teaching your child not to share personal information like their full name, address, phone number, school name, passwords, or bank details online.
Next, check the privacy settings on all the apps and websites they use. Set accounts to private whenever possible and disable features that show their location. If you are not sure whether a platform is safe, search for it online with keywords like “privacy risks” to see if there are any warnings.
Keep devices up to date with the latest software updates and antivirus programs. Explain to your child that even when a camera is off, it might still record. Cover the webcam with a small piece of tape when it is not in use as a reminder.
5. Where can my children get help if they see something worrying online or are exploited or abused?
Most apps and social media platforms have built-in reporting tools. Show your child where these are located so they can report harmful content or behavior themselves.
If your child sees unwanted sexual content or you think they may be at risk, you can report it. In many countries, there are national hotlines for child sexual abuse material. You can also report cases through international organizations like the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) or the CyberTipline run by NCMEC.
It is important to watch for signs that your child is upset or anxious after using the internet. If you notice changes in their behavior, talk to them gently about what might be going on. Help them access support from a national Child Helpline or other trusted organizations.
Finally, agree on a list of trusted adults your child can talk to if they are worried about something online. Sometimes children do not feel comfortable talking to their parents first. This could be a teacher, coach, relative, or another adult they feel safe with.
Final Thoughts
We all have a role to play in making the internet safer for children. As parents and caregivers, we can start by having regular conversations about online safety, using available tools to protect them, and making sure they know where to get help if something goes wrong.
Technology is part of children’s lives now and will be even more important in their future. By teaching them good habits early and creating a safe space for them to ask questions, we can help them enjoy the benefits of the online world while avoiding its risks.
Would you like me to create a parent-friendly checklist summarizing these steps in a clear “do this first” format? This would be perfect for printing or sharing with other families.Tools
