A Parent’s Guide to Online Safety
Let’s be honest—parenting in the digital age is a whole different game. Gone are the days when all we had to say was, “Don’t talk to strangers” and hope for the best. Now, it’s more like, “Don’t click that link, don’t trust everything an influencer says, and no, that’s definitely not really Tom Holland inviting you to join his private fan club!” And don’t even get me started on ride-sharing apps. When I was a kid, the rule was never to get into a car with a stranger; now, there’ are apps on our phones giving us access to one, 24/7. Today’s digital world is a complex jungle of new dangers that our wildest 90s imaginations could never have dreamed up—and our kids are the ones navigating it.
When it comes to digital dangers, cyberbullying is at the top of the list. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying doesn’t have a “pause” button. It can happen anywhere, anytime—whether through social media, group chats, or online games. The hurt from a mean comment or rumour posted online can feel relentless, especially when it’s accessible 24/7. For kids, this can feel overwhelming, and often, they may be too embarrassed or afraid to reach out for help.
Cyberbullying comes in many forms. It might look like exclusion from a group chat, someone posting unkind memes, or even spreading false rumours online. And since it’s digital, the audience can be much larger, and the impact can feel far-reaching and lasting. For some kids, it can feel like there’s nowhere to hide, making them feel cornered in their own digital world.
Defence against Cyberbullying
So how can we help them? First, it’s essential to create a safe space where kids know they can come to us without fear of judgment. Encourage open conversations by sharing your own school experiences—if they know you’ve faced challenges too, they’re more likely to open up about theirs.
Next, teach them to use digital defence tools. Show them how to block bullies, report harmful content, and adjust their privacy settings to control who can reach them. Many apps also offer reporting features to help deal with harmful behaviour. Explain that these tools aren’t about “snitching”; they’re there to protect their mental health and give them control. And remind them that a bully’s actions often say more about the bully than the person being targeted.
It’s important our kids understand that they should never feel they have to “just put up with” or ignore harmful behaviour. They deserve to feel safe and respected in their online spaces, just as they do anywhere else. If cyberbullying escalates or becomes overwhelming, seeking professional help is not only okay—it’s essential. Sadly, there are numerous reports linking cyberbullying to serious consequences, including teen suicides.
Let’s remind our kids that reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and there are people who genuinely want to help them through tough times.
Deepfakes
In addition to cyberbullying, there’s another online threat that’s on the rise: deepfakes. These are AI-generated videos that make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they never did. Imagine your child scrolling through their feed and coming across a fake video of a friend, or even themselves, saying things they’d never say. It’s a shocking experience, and it’s only becoming more common.
Kids might not recognize the term “deepfake,” but they’ll be impacted by it if they see one. How can we help them avoid being fooled? Start by explaining that not everything online is real. Teach them to look for red flags like mismatched lips and audio, robotic voices, or unnatural movements.
To make it fun, why not turn it into a game? Next time you spot a “too-good-to-be-true” celebrity endorsement, ask, “Real or fake?” Kids enjoy spotting things, and it makes for a fun way to learn some scepticism.
Scams and Phishing: Ever seen an email claiming a long-lost relative has passed away and left you their entire estate? Kids might not recognize these scams, but they can still fall for similar traps in games or apps. Explain to them that no one online—especially strangers—should be asking for their personal information, no matter how convincing or urgent the story might seem. These tales are designed to deceive, and being cautious is key.
Inappropriate Content: Even with filters, kids might stumble across things not meant for young eyes. Encourage your child to talk to you if they see anything disturbing. Make it clear that it’s okay to be curious but that some things are better to discuss with you first.
Social Media Pressure: Filters, likes, and influencers make social media a tough place for kids trying to figure out who they are. Explain that a lot of what they see online is heavily edited. Help them stay grounded by celebrating the things they do well in the real world and emphasize that being “real” is worth more than “likes.” We live in an era where photos may show happiness, but the reality can be far different.
Setting Limits on Screen Time (Without World War III)
Ah, screen time. Even the term can make kids shudder! But setting boundaries is essential for their well-being. Studies show that limiting screen time makes kids happier and more socially adjusted. You could start by setting a “digital sunset” in the evening where screens go off for the night.
Here’s a tip: get creative instead of just cutting off screen time. Try challenging them to a board game, planning a cooking night, or organizing an outdoor scavenger hunt. You might find that these activities naturally replace screen time, while also giving your kids the opportunity to connect in the real world. Not only will this help them unwind, but it’s also a great chance for you to bond over non-digital experiences.
Tools for Online Safety
While no app can replace the value of open conversation, there are a few tools that can give you a little backup. I’m not affiliated with these, but they’ve been recommended by plenty of other parents:
Qustodio: This app lets you set time limits, block adult content, and monitor activity across devices.
Bark: It’s like a digital watchdog that alerts you if there’s concerning content or messages, without invading your child’s privacy.
Net Nanny: Another popular tool that monitors screen time, blocks explicit sites, and even gives you a breakdown of where time is being spent online.
Remember, these tools are here to help, but they work best when paired with that friendly, honest, and ongoing conversation we’ve talked about.
Keep Talking, Keep Listening!
In the end, online safety isn’t a checklist; it’s a conversation. It’s not about scaring your child or making them paranoid—it’s about helping them feel confident in their own ability to spot what’s real and what’s not. Remind them that they’re part of a digital world where things aren’t always what they seem, but they’ve got you to help them navigate it.
And maybe, just maybe, we could all benefit from a little refresher on digital discernment ourselves! So, here’s something to think about: in a world of endless scrolling, likes, and shares, are we teaching our kids to believe everything they see… or are we showing them how to ask questions, be curious, and dig a little deeper?
Contributor
The article was written by Lucindi Storme, Community Manager at Cyber London
For more information on how to help your children stay safe online, please reach out to Cyber London here.
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