Online Safety Tips for Children

  • Be aware of the information you are sharing about your child when posting pictures of them.
  • Set boundaries for what your child can and can’t do online, including where, when, and how much time they can spend online.
  • Talk with your child about online safety.
  • Reinforce that they should never send pictures they wouldn’t want the school or family to see.
  • Have tech-free meals.
  • Keep phones out of children’s bedrooms at night.
  • Set parental controls on your home’s wifi.
  • Have your child show you their favorite sites to ensure safety and suitability.
  • Familiarize yourself with apps your child uses.
  • Teach children how to keep their profiles private and turn off location settings on social media. Remind them to set strong passwords and not to share them.
  • Teach them how to be good online citizens by not sending mean messages, respecting people’s online and offline boundaries, and not asking others for inappropriate photos.
  • Identify another adult your child can go to for help if you are not there.
  • Recognize the warning signs of a child experiencing online enticement: increasing time online, getting upset when unable to use their device, receiving gifts from someone you don’t know, and hiding what they are doing online.

If you suspect a child is being abused, call CHILDLINE at 1-800-932-0313.