Talking to your kids about online safety

Toddlers and preschoolers

When talking to toddlers and preschoolers about online safety, it’s best to keep things simple. Focus on teaching them basic safety rules like not trying to search YouTube or the internet themselves as you never know what will pop up, not talking to strangers online and never sharing personal information like your address or pre-school name. Use language they understand, and most importantly, make sure they know they can always come to you if they have any questions or concerns.

Open communication is key, even at this young age! Let them know that their superpower is their feelings and that if something makes them feel uncomfortable, it’s time to talk to Mum and Dad. Tell them that they won’t ever be in trouble and that they can always come to you for help.  Remember that their brains are not yet developed enough to allow them to spot online danger, so they need a lot of supervision.

Primary school children

For primary school children, it’s time to dive a little deeper into online safety. Talk to them about the different kinds of risks they might encounter, like cyberbullying, online predators, and even malware. Explain why being careful about what they share online is so important – that means no personal information like addresses or phone numbers!

Make sure they know they can always come to you if anything makes them feel uneasy online and that they won’t be in trouble, as children who fear repercussions tend to hide things rather than seeking the help they need.

Also, a very important rule: they should never accept virtual gifts from strangers on gaming platforms like Roblox or other online games, as they are used to lure children into giving them personal details once they become your child’s “friend”. Open communication with your child is crucial, so they feel safe sharing any online concerns with you.

Teenagers

When talking to teenagers, it’s crucial to address more complex online issues. Start by discussing the importance of privacy and how to protect their personal information. Then, have an open and honest conversation about the potential consequences of sexting and other risky online behaviors, including the serious legal and emotional repercussions.

It’s also important to discuss pornography, which is far more graphic and easier to access than the magazines and tapes that their parent’s generation may have seen. This can be an uncomfortable conversation, but it’s a reality teenagers face.

Explain that their brains are still developing and not yet equipped to process such graphic images, and that what they see on adult sites is not an accurate representation of what sex or what a loving relationship should look like. Viewing pornography can negatively impact their mental health and body image. Emphasise that healthy relationships are built on consent, respect and communication, not on what’s portrayed online. 

Let them know it’s so important to be mindful of the images they post online, as they can have implications far into the future. Remember that what’s shared online often has no expiration date and can remain visible indefinitely. Finally, encourage them to be respectful of others online and to avoid cyberbullying, reminding them that online actions have real-world consequences.

Setting expectations

Setting clear expectations for your child’s online behavior is crucial for their safety and well-being. One effective strategy is to create a digital contract together, outlining agreed-upon rules and the consequences for violating those expectations. This ensures everyone is on the same page and understands the boundaries.

Additionally, especially for younger children, establishing “digital zones” in common areas of the house can be helpful. Making bedrooms off-limits for devices allows parents to better monitor their children’s online activities and promotes healthier habits, such as winding down before bed without screens. These strategies can create a structured and safer online environment for children.

Talking to your kids about online safety is an ongoing conversation. As your child grows and changes, so will their online needs and risks. By having regular conversations with your child about online safety, you can help them stay safe and make smart choices online.

This blog post provides general information and should not be considered professional advice. Always exercise caution and supervise your children’s online activities.

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