10 Things Parents Need to Know After Learning How to Keep Their Kids Safe Online
- John O'Maley
- Feb 8
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Communication is the Most Powerful Tool – Ongoing, open, and judgment-free conversations about online safety encourage kids to come to you with concerns.
Set Clear Rules and Boundaries – Establish guidelines for screen time, app usage, and online interactions, and enforce them consistently.
Teach Critical Thinking – Encourage kids to question online content, recognize scams, and understand that not everything online is true.
Be Proactive, Not Just Reactive – Don’t wait for a problem to occur. Monitor activity, discuss risks regularly, and stay informed on new digital threats.
Regularly Review Apps and Privacy Settings – Know which apps your child uses, check permissions, disable location tracking, and adjust settings to limit exposure.
Stay Involved in Their Digital World – Play their games, follow their social media, and watch their favorite YouTubers to understand their online environment.
Use Technology as an Ally, Not a Crutch – Leverage parental controls, monitoring apps, and safe search filters, but don’t rely on them as a replacement for active parenting.
Empower Kids to Self-Regulate – Teach them to recognize red flags, report suspicious activity, and make smart decisions independently.
Be a Role Model – Demonstrate responsible internet use by managing your own screen time, avoiding oversharing, and maintaining digital etiquette.
Know When to Get Help – If cyberbullying, exploitation, or hacking occurs, take action immediately by reporting it to schools, platforms, or even law enforcement.
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