Children use phones, tablets, games and social platforms from a young age. The internet offers great opportunities for learning and fun, but it also comes with risks. You do not need to be a technology expert to help your children. Here are practical steps to take.

1. Talk early and often

Have regular, calm conversations about what your children do online. Ask them which games and apps they like, who they talk to and whether anything has made them uncomfortable. Make sure they know they can come to you without fear of punishment.

2. Set clear family rules

Agree on:
- When and where devices can be used, such as no phones in bedrooms at night
- How much time can be spent on screens
- Which apps and websites are allowed
- What information is private

Write the rules down and review them as your children grow.

3. Use parental controls

Most devices, apps, game consoles and streaming services have built-in controls. You can use them to filter content, limit screen time, restrict purchases and monitor activity. Explain to your children why you are using them, particularly with older kids.

4. Check privacy settings

Go through the privacy and safety settings on each app together. Set accounts to private where possible, limit who can send messages or friend requests, and turn off location sharing.

5. Teach about personal information

Children should know not to share their full name, address, phone number, school name, passwords or photos with people they do not know.

6. Explain that people may not be who they say they are

Help children understand that online contacts can pretend to be someone else. Encourage them to be cautious about chatting with strangers, and to tell you right away if anyone asks for personal details or requests secrecy.

7. Teach critical thinking

Show your children how to question what they see online. Ask them:
- Who made this?
- Is it trying to sell something?
- Does it seem too good to be true?
- Can I check it from another source?

8. Watch for signs of cyberbullying

Look for changes in mood, reluctance to use devices, secretiveness or withdrawal. If your child is being bullied, save the evidence, block the person, report the behavior to the platform and speak to the school if it involves classmates.

9. Teach kind behavior

Remind children that there is a real person behind each screen. Encourage them to treat others as they would in person and to think before posting.

10. Be a role model

Children copy what they see. Put your own phone away during meals and family time, and show healthy habits.

11. Protect accounts and devices

- Use strong, unique passwords and keep them private.
- Keep software and apps updated.
- Download apps only from official app stores, and check ratings and age guidelines.

12. Know where to get help

If your child encounters serious harm, such as online grooming, threats or sexual content, save evidence, report it to the platform and contact local authorities or a child protection organization in your country. Seek support for your child as well.

Age-by-age guide

- Under 8: use devices together, in shared spaces, and stick to child-friendly content.
- Ages 8 to 12: supervise closely, use parental controls and discuss online behavior.
- Teens: keep communication open, agree on boundaries and encourage responsible independence.

Online safety is not a one-time lesson. Keep the conversation going, stay curious about your child's digital world and adjust the rules as they grow.

Family & Parenting

How to Keep Kids Safe Online: Practical Tips for Parents