Children's Online Safety
Essential guide to protecting children from online dangers, predators, and inappropriate content.
Online Dangers Children Face
95% of teens have access to smartphones. Children face cyberbullying, online predators, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy violations. Parental involvement is critical for online safety.
Age-Appropriate Guidelines
Ages 0-5
Supervised screen time only. Educational content. No social media. Keep devices in common areas.
Ages 6-9
Strict parental controls. Approved websites/apps only. No social media. Email with parent copy.
Ages 10-12
Monitored social media (kid-specific platforms). Time limits. Friend approval. Location sharing with parents.
Ages 13-17
Increasing independence with oversight. Privacy settings training. Open communication. Emergency monitoring capability.
Parental Control Setup
Device-Level Controls
iOS: Screen Time, Android: Family Link. Set app limits, bedtime schedules, content restrictions.
Router-Level Filtering
OpenDNS, Circle, Gryphon. Filters all devices on network. Blocks inappropriate content categories.
Monitoring Software
Bark, Qustodio, Net Nanny. Monitors messages, social media, searches. Alerts to concerning content.
YouTube Restrictions
YouTube Kids for young children. Restricted Mode for older kids. Disable comments, review watch history.
Social Media Safety Rules
- Private accounts only - approve all followers
- No sharing personal information: address, phone, school name, location
- No real-time location sharing or check-ins
- Think before posting - everything is permanent
- Block and report bullies, suspicious accounts
- Never meet online friends in person without parent present
- Don't accept friend requests from strangers
- Turn off location metadata in photos
Warning Signs
Behavioral Changes
Withdrawal, secretiveness, mood swings, reluctance to discuss online activities.
Device Behavior
Hiding screen, deleting history, new accounts, late-night device use.
Cyberbullying Signs
Avoiding school, declining grades, emotional distress after device use.
Predator Contact
Gifts from unknown sources, secretive communications, inappropriate questions online.
Teaching Kids About Safety
Open Communication
Regular conversations about online experiences. No-punishment policy for reporting concerns.
Critical Thinking
Teach to question information, recognize manipulation, identify fake profiles.
Digital Citizenship
Respectful online behavior, empathy, consequences of actions, permanence of digital footprint.
Privacy Awareness
What information is private, how to recognize phishing, importance of strong passwords.
Gaming Safety
- Disable voice chat or limit to friends only
- Private profiles - no real names or personal info
- Parental controls on consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo)
- Monitor in-game purchases and communication
- Research games before allowing - check ESRB ratings
- Teach not to share account credentials
Responding to Issues
Cyberbullying
Document evidence, block bully, report to platform and school. Don't retaliate. Serious cases: contact police.
Inappropriate Content
Stay calm, discuss what they saw, strengthen filters, maintain open dialogue for future concerns.
Predator Contact
Preserve evidence, stop communication immediately, report to NCMEC (CyberTipline.org), contact police.
Family Media Agreement
Create written agreement covering:
- Screen time limits by day/activity
- Approved apps and websites
- Privacy rules and posting guidelines
- Device-free zones (dinner, bedrooms)
- Consequences for rule violations
- Parents' right to check devices
- Reporting requirements for concerning content