- 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.