How to Protect Your Children Online   

Are you concerned about how to keep your children safe while using the internet? You’re not alone in this.  
 
With the rise of technology, children today spend an increasing amount of time on devices. Online games, YouTube videos, school apps, social media, and so forth all connect and engage children. The internet is a great way for children to connect with each other and share experiences; however, it also provides a level of risk that parents need to be aware of. As a result, making sure that children use the internet safely has never been more critical. 

Identifying Potential Dangers  

For most children, by the time they can speak, they already know how to navigate a mobile device; however, most children do not know what is safe and what is unsafe when it comes to the internet. The internet is filled with dangers; including cyberbullying, sexual predators, scams, and many types of inappropriate material. The Child Safety Institute reported in 2024 that over 67% of children between the ages of eight to sixteen had witnessed disturbing content online, while more than one-third had conversed with unknown individuals through online games or applications. 

Creating Open Lines of Communication 

 To provide the most effective protection for children, it is essential that a strong relationship is formed through honest conversations. Children need to feel comfortable discussing anything they experience on the internet with their parents without fear of being judged or punished – only being supported. It is important to teach children ways to protect themselves by doing such things as not clicking on unknown links and not sharing their locations while playing online games or accessing social media. 

Balance Trust with All Available Parental Tools 

If used wisely, technology can help keep children safe. Parental control applications like Family Link, Norton Family and Qustodio are useful resources for tracking/monitoring usage and screen time, restricting app usage and blocking any inappropriate material. Use this technology to stay connected with your child while being more of a guide than just providing constant surveillance. As children grow and develop their independent choices, allow them the liberty to make their own decisions while encouraging the continuation of good choices. 

Encourage Critical Thinking When Using Digital Media 

While using filters to protect children from harm is important, it is equally important to provide a level of critical thinking skills and understanding of the dynamic of digital media. Questions to consider include: Is this a credible website? Why am I targeted by this advertisement? Is what I am watching a true or misrepresented video? There are a number of schools that provide digital literacy training; however, it is equally important for parents to teach these skills in the home. The ability to question what is being viewed digitally enhances the safety and smarts of the user. 

Create a Balanced Digital Diet 

Digital media can take over a child’s life very quickly. As a parent, the best thing to do is create a daily/weekly routine with your child that incorporates digital media at healthy times. Create days or phases that are “down” or “empty” of screens, and make space in the schedule for other hobbies, outside playgrounds or parks and time spent with family and friends in the real world (WHO, 2020, screen time). Boundaries do not mean “rules” to break; boundaries define a healthy approach to the use of screens. 
 
Looking for more ways to support your child’s growth? Check out this post on emotional intelligence in children: Raising Resilient Kids – The Power of Emotional Intelligence 

References:  

 
[1] Child Safety Institute. Annual Online Behavior Report (2024). https://www.childsafetyinstitute.org/online2024 
[2] Google. Be Internet Awesome Curriculum. https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com 
[3] Norton. Parental Control Software Comparison (2023). https://us.norton.com/ 
[4] Livingstone S, Byrne J. Parenting for a Digital Future. Oxford University Press, 2020. 
[5] World Health Organization. Screen Time Guidelines for Children (2023). https://www.who.int/news/item/24-03-2023-screen-time-guidelines