12 Tips for talking to your child about online safety

Children are growing up surrounded by technology. From educational tools to entertainment, the internet plays a significant role in their lives. However, with this increased access comes the need for awareness and understanding of online safety. As a parent, it’s crucial to open up conversations with your child about how to navigate the online world safely. However, it’s not always easy as sometimes we just don’t know where to start.

Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Start Early and Be Proactive

One of the most important steps in ensuring your child’s online safety is to start the conversation early. Young children are already exploring the internet, sometimes before parents even realise it, whether it’s through games, videos, or educational apps. By beginning the discussion early, you set the foundation for safe online habits. It’s better to get ahead of the game (excuse the pun) and set the scene before technology starts to take over your life.

Tip: Don’t wait for an incident to occur before talking about online safety. Approach the topic in a casual, non-threatening manner. For example, while setting up a new app, you might say, “There are some things we need to remember to stay safe when we’re using this app. Let’s talk about them.”

Use Age-Appropriate Language

When discussing online safety, it’s important to use language that your child can understand. Complex terms and abstract concepts might confuse them or make the conversation seem intimidating. Tailor your language to their age and level of comprehension.

Tip: For younger children, you might explain the internet as a big, open space where not everyone is nice. Use analogies they can relate to, such as comparing the internet to a playground where they need to be careful and aware of their surroundings.

Create an Open and Trusting Environment

Children are more likely to share their online experiences with you if they feel safe and not judged. It’s important to create an environment where they can talk about what they encounter online without fear of punishment or shame.

Tip: Encourage open dialogue by asking open-ended questions about their online activities. For instance, “What kind of games do you like to play online?” or “Have you seen anything online that made you uncomfortable?” Make it clear that they can come to you with any concerns.

Set Clear Guidelines and Expectations

Children need structure, and setting clear guidelines about online behaviour is essential. Discuss what is acceptable and what isn’t, and explain why certain rules are in place. Make sure they understand the potential risks of sharing personal information or interacting with strangers online.

Tip: Together with your child, create a “family internet safety contract” that outlines the dos and don’ts of online behaviour. This can include rules like not sharing passwords, not posting personal information, and always telling a parent if they’re unsure about something online.

Teach Them About Privacy

Privacy is a critical aspect of online safety that children need to understand. Explain the concept of personal information and why it’s important to keep certain details private, even online. This includes their full name, address, phone number, and even their school’s name.

Tip: Use examples that are relevant to their daily life. You might say, “Just like you wouldn’t give a stranger your address or phone number at the park, you shouldn’t share those details online with people you don’t know.”

Discuss the Importance of Passwords

Passwords are a key part of online security, and your child must understand their significance. Explain that passwords help protect their accounts and personal information from being accessed by others.

Tip: Help your child create strong, unique passwords for their accounts. You can turn it into a fun activity by making up a password rhyme or a silly phrase that they can easily remember. Emphasize the importance of not sharing their passwords with anyone, except parents.

Address Cyberbullying

Unfortunately, cyberbullying is a reality that many children face. It’s essential to talk to your child about what cyberbullying is, how to recognize it, and what to do if they encounter it. Let them know that it’s never okay to be mean or hurtful online, and they should come to you if they feel targeted.

Tip: If you feel comfortable, it can help to role-play different scenarios where cyberbullying might occur, and discuss the best ways to respond. This could include blocking the person, not responding to the bullying, and immediately telling a trusted adult.

Encourage Critical Thinking

Teach your child to think critically about the content they encounter online. Not everything on the internet is true, and some content may be misleading or harmful. Encourage them to question what they see and to come to you if they’re unsure about something.

Tip: Play a game where you look at different websites or social media posts together and discuss whether the information seems trustworthy. Ask questions like, “Do you think this is real? Why or why not?” This helps build their ability to discern credible information. Fact-checking is a critical life skill children need to develop.

Stay Informed and Involved

As technology evolves, so do the challenges and risks associated with it. It’s important to stay informed about the latest trends, apps, and potential dangers that children might face online. Being aware of what your child is doing online and who they are interacting with is crucial.

Tip: Make it a habit to regularly check in on your child’s online activities. This doesn’t mean spying, but rather having open discussions about what they’re doing online. You might ask, “What’s the latest game everyone’s playing?” or “Who are your favourite YouTubers right now?”

Be a Role Model

Children learn by example, so it’s important to model good online behaviour yourself. Demonstrate how to use the internet responsibly, respect others online, and prioritize privacy.

Tip: Share with your child how you stay safe online. For example, you might say, “I’m setting up a strong password for this account to keep my information safe,” or “I’m being careful about what I share on social media.” Showing them that you practice what you preach reinforces the importance of online safety.

Emphasize the Importance of Balance

While the internet offers many benefits, it’s important to teach your child the value of balance. Encourage them to spend time offline, engaging in physical activities, reading, or spending time with family and friends.

Tip: Establish “tech-free” times during the day, such as during meals or an hour before bedtime. Use this time to bond with your child over offline activities, showing them that there’s more to life than screens.

Reinforce the Message Regularly

Online safety isn’t a one-time conversation; it’s an ongoing dialogue. Regularly reinforce the message and revisit the topic as your child grows and their online activities change.

Tip: Use current events or news stories as opportunities to discuss online safety. For example, if there’s a story about a data breach or a cyberbullying incident, use it as a teaching moment to remind your child about the importance of staying safe online.

Wrapping it up

Talking to your child about online safety might seem daunting, but it’s a crucial part of parenting in the digital age. By starting early, using age-appropriate language, and creating an open, trusting environment, you can help your child develop the skills and awareness they need to navigate the online world safely. Remember, the goal is to empower your child to make smart decisions online, with the confidence that they can always turn to you for guidance.