Keeping Children Safe Online

Online Awareness

Maintain open communication with your children about their online activities, encouraging them to speak up if they encounter anything uncomfortable.
Set clear guidelines on screen time and appropriate content, using parental controls to restrict access to unsuitable websites.
Lead by example and demonstrate responsible internet use, online safety should be a shared family priority.
- Educate your kids about privacy, emphasizing the importance of not sharing personal information like addresses or phone numbers online.
- Don’t chat with anyone you don’t know.

Familiarize yourself with the games your child plays, including content, age ratings, and in-game purchases.
Set clear screen time boundaries to promote a balance between gaming, schoolwork, and other activities.
Educate your children about not sharing personal information and recognizing inappropriate behavior.
Regularly discuss their gaming experiences and encourage open communication about any issues they encounter.
Stay informed and involved to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for your child.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and potential risks associated with online gaming, such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or online predators.

Educate children on interacting with strangers while balancing caution and social engagement.
Define a "stranger" as someone they don’t know well.
Emphasize the importance of being cautious, even though most people are kind.
Foster open communication for reporting uneasy encounters.
Teach key safety tips:
- Do not accept gifts or rides from strangers.
- Stay with trusted adults.
- Recognize uncomfortable situations.
Use role-playing scenarios for practice.
Establish a network of safe adults and places for children to seek help if threatened.

Sextortion is a growing concern that parents need to be aware of.
- It involves someone threatening to distribute private and sensitive material unless demands are met, usually sending money.
Consider how regularly you check in on your teenager’s online interactions.
Recognize the warning signs that your child might be the victim of sextortion:
- Changes in behavior, such as increased secrecy or withdrawal from family and friends.
- Spending excessive time on devices and quickly switching screens or closing apps when approached.
- Unexplained financial transactions or the presence of new expensive items.
Encourage your teenager to talk about issues without fear of judgment.
Emphasize the permanence of digital content.
As a parent, never hesitate to reach out for support.
- Always report anyone who shares or asks children to share sexual messages or images.