A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety: How to Encourage Safely Building an Online Community
The internet has become a central part of our children’s lives—offering a world of opportunities, connection, and creativity. But with those opportunities come real risks, especially for kids who are still developing emotionally and socially. Add the ever-changing digital landscape, and it can quickly become overwhelming to keep up with.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
Internet safety isn’t just a set of rules—it’s a conversation, a mindset, and most importantly, a community effort. Below are some practical tips to protect your children online, while also exploring how a strong support system—both at home and in your wider community—can make all the difference.
Why Internet Safety Matters
We know our children are growing up in a digital-first world. From platforms such as YouTube, Roblox, TikTok, Instagram, and more, our kids are constantly interacting online. That means they potentially are also exposed to:
Inappropriate content
Cyberbullying
Online predators
Scams and data collection
Harmful challenges or misinformation
While these threats are real, fear alone isn’t the answer. Our goal isn’t to instill paranoia—it’s to build awareness, foster open communication, and teach our children how to navigate their digital world with confidence and integrity.
Start with Relationship, Not Restrictions
Before jumping into parental controls and app blockers, take time to build digital trust. This includes:
Listening without overreacting when your child brings up something they saw online.
Talking openly about your own digital use—what you read, who you follow, what you avoid.
Acknowledging the positives of the internet: learning, connection, self-expression.
Children are more likely to come to you when something goes wrong online if they know you’re not going to panic or punish first.
5 Core Digital Safety Practices for Parents
Set Clear Boundaries (and Revisit Them Often)
Technology changes quickly, and so do kids. Have regular family conversations about screen time, app usage, and online etiquette. As your child matures, consider adjust boundaries while continuing to regularly check in.
Use Parental Controls—but Don’t Rely on Them Alone
Filters and apps can help protect your children online, but they are not a substitute for human connection and oversight. Keep devices in common areas, turn off voice chat features on games such as Roblox, restrict usage before bed, and monitor screen time- especially for younger kids.
Teach Critical Thinking
Help your child ask questions like:
“Is this source reliable?”
“Why is this ad targeting me?”
“What are the consequences of posting this?”
Kids are less likely to fall for scams, misinformation, or peer pressure when they know how to think, not just follow rules.
Talk About Consent and Privacy
Just like in the physical world, kids need to know they have a right to digital privacy and boundaries. Teach them ways to create them, such as:
Never to share personal information or images
How to say no when pressured to share something
That anything posted online may be permanent and searchable
Model Healthy Tech Habits
Our kids are watching. If we’re glued to our screens at dinner or checking our email during conversations, we’re sending a message—whether we mean to or not. Show them what balance looks like, and encourage hobbies outside of technology.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your child shows signs of digital distress, it might be helpful to get support. Some red flags include:
🚩 Sudden withdrawal or irritability after being online, resulting in isolation from family members or friends at school
🚩 Obsession with checking devices or trouble parting with phone at night
🚩 Refusing to talk about or hiding online activity
🚩 High levels of anxiety about missing messages or being left out
🚩 Evidence of sexting, cyberbullying, or unsafe communication with strangers
Therapists can help children process digital experiences, rebuild confidence, and set healthier boundaries. And for parents? Therapy can offer tools to manage tech-related power struggles, communication breakdowns, or fears.
You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
Remember: No parent has this all figured out! There will be missteps, and that is okay! The most powerful message you can send is:
“I’m learning too. Let’s figure this out together.”
Being a “tech-wise parent” isn’t about mastering every app or keeping up with every trend. It’s about showing up with curiosity, compassion, and community. Of course we want our children to be safe online, but we also want them to resilient digital citizens. By encouraging open dialogue and intentional boundaries at home, you can foster this resilience in the digital world as well!
Looking for More?
Consider these helpful resources for parents:
Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org)
ConnectSafely.org