How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
A practical guide for parents in the digital age
Make Social Media Accounts Private
Social platforms often default to public profiles, which can expose your child to strangers.
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Children under 13 should not have social media accounts.
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Set profiles to private on apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
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Limit who can contact or follow your child.
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Only accept friend requests from real-life connections.
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Some privacy setting links:
Note: Even with privacy settings, stories and images can be saved or screenshotted by others.
Make YouTube Safer for Kids
YouTube is popular with kids but not always safe.
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Use YouTube Kids for children under 13.
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For older children, turn on Restricted Mode:
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Go to profile icon > Scroll to bottom > Toggle “Restricted Mode” on
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Set daily time limits using parental controls.
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Watch content with them when possible.
Install Anti-Virus Software on All Devices
Even kids can download malware accidentally.
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Use antivirus tools to protect personal data and block harmful websites.
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Free options:
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Consider upgrading to a paid version like Kaspersky, which offers full protection.
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Use a VPN for added security and location masking.
Use Child-Safe Browsers and Search Engines
Standard browsers may expose kids to unsafe content.
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Install kid-safe browsers like:
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Zoodles: Free for Mac, Windows, Android. Premium costs $8/month.
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Maxthon: Free and available on iOS only.
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Activate Google SafeSearch in Chrome to block adult content:
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Create supervised Chrome profiles:
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Other child-friendly search engines:
Create Separate Computer Accounts for Kids
Helps manage what children can access and protect adult content.
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Set up separate user accounts for kids with their own desktop and apps.
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On Mac, enable parental controls:
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Manage time limits, website access, and app usage.
Set Up Restricted Smartphone Accounts
Children using phones should have limited access.
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On Android:
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Use Google Family Link to:
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Monitor app use and downloads
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Block or approve new apps
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Set screen time
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Lock the device remotely
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Track location
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On iPhone/iPad:
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Use Screen Time Restrictions:
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Settings > General > Restrictions > Enable and set a passcode
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Use Parental Controls on Gaming Consoles
Gaming consoles are connected to the internet and often include chat features.
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Limit age-inappropriate games and web browsing.
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Restrict in-game purchases.
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Learn the safety features of your child’s specific console and enable parental settings.
Install Parental Control Apps
Apps can help manage and monitor screen time, content, and activity.
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Features to look for:
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Website and app blocking
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Location tracking
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Monitoring messages, photos, and videos
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Purchase and app approval
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Trusted options include:
Use Strong Passwords and Change Them Often
Protect accounts with strong, hard-to-guess passwords.
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Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
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Avoid using names, birth dates, or common phrases.
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Example: “Hamburger” becomes H@M8urg3R
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Change passwords regularly and store them safely.
Cover Device Cameras
Webcams can be hacked.
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Use a post-it note, slider cover, or webcam blocker.
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Teach kids never to accept video calls or open links from strangers.
Stay Engaged: Talk and Teach
Talk Regularly About Online Safety
Regular conversations help kids feel safe and supported.
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Ask what they’re doing online and how they feel about it.
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Stay updated on online trends.
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Join communities like the eParenting Group to stay informed.
Use the Same Apps They Use
Being on the same platforms helps you understand the risks.
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Download the same apps your child uses.
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Observe the kind of content they engage with.
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Follow or connect with them on those platforms if appropriate.
Set Family Internet Rules
Clear rules help create safe boundaries.
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Use a family media contract to set expectations.
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Include rules like:
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Screen time limits
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No phones during meals
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No downloading apps without permission
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Involve your child in creating the agreement.
Educate About Sexting
Teens may not understand the risks of sharing explicit content.
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Sexting is illegal for minors and carries lifelong consequences.
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One in five kids aged 10–15 are involved in sexting.
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Make it clear that once an image is sent, it can never be taken back.
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Delay giving a smartphone if you’re not ready for this conversation.
Discuss Cyberbullying and Mental Health
Cyberbullying can severely affect children’s well-being.
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Explain the harmful impact of online cruelty.
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Encourage your child to speak up and support others.
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Talk about suicide and how to help friends who might be struggling.
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Let them know “joking” about self-harm isn’t acceptable.
Warn About Online Predators
Predators often pretend to be kids and gain trust.
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Teach your child not to share personal info or images.
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Show them how online grooming works.
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Know who your child is connected to online.
Teach About Digital Footprints
Everything online leaves a trace.
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Help your child understand how their online behavior affects their reputation.
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Remind them that schools and future employers may check their digital presence.
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Encourage positive online interactions and thoughtful posting.
Lead by Example
Children model your behavior more than your words.
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Don’t use your phone during meals or while driving.
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Be cautious about what you post online.
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Avoid oversharing personal family details.
