Protecting Your Child Online
Keeping your child safe online may seem hard. But knowing the risks and finding ways to lower those risks can help make it easier. There are steps you can take to help keep your child safe. These include:
- Learn the privacy, access and messaging policies of the apps, websites, social media platforms and gaming sites that your child uses.. Some apps and websites may have hidden features that might be a threat to the safety of your child. These can include chat rooms and location tracking. It is important to know what programs your child uses and how they use them.
- Set up parental controls or restrictions on the programs your child uses.. These controls can help stop your child from getting on certain websites. They can also monitor messaging. For example, it is possible to password-protect the app store on your child’s device. Doing this can make sure that they can only download approved apps to their device. Actions like this can help protect your child from unwanted solicitation or other harmful situations.
- Talk openly with your child about the dangers and possible harm on the internet.Talk about what type of information should be kept private, and about appropriate communication with others. Also talk about your rules for technology usage. If you plan on monitoring your child’s technology use, explain why. Answer any questions they may have openly and honestly. Encourage your child to trust their instincts. Ask them to tell you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened. Below, you will find more recommendations for talking with your child about digital safety at different ages.
- If you discover questionable communications from your child to an adult or youth, stay calm.Talk to your child with the goal of resolving the situation. Report any solicitation, bullying or child sexual abuse material immediately to your local law enforcement.
Online Resources to Better Understand Internet Safety
The internet is changing all the time. Websites that are popular among children for online gaming and socializing evolve quickly. Because of this, it can be hard to understand the chances for harm that may exist in the platforms your child uses regularly. But there are resources to help parents and caregivers understand which websites are appropriate for children and the dangers that may exist within these websites. Some of these resources include:
- Common Sense Media – This resource provides age recommendations, reviews and ratings for websites, apps, movies, books and more. These reviews can help you understand what websites and materials may be inappropriate for your child based upon their age. Learn more at www.commonsensemedia.org.
- Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program – This is a website that has many internet resources to help parents and caregivers stay up to date about the dangers facing children. Learn more at www.icactaskforce.org.
- Connect Safely – This is a website that provides education and resources,- including in-depth guidebooks on social media apps and tech use that are helpful for parents, educators and youth. Learn more at www.connectsafely.org.
Age-Appropriate Communication and Monitoring*
Below are recommendations for how to practice effective communication with your child as they grow.
| Younger Children (0-8 years) |
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| Pre-teens (9-12 years) |
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| Teens (13+ years) |
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*Table adapted from “Talking to Children About Digital Safety.” Darkness to Light®.
