Ten ways to help keep your kids safe online

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

1. Talk openly with your child about their online activity.

As soon as your child starts accessing the internet, talk to them about what they are reading, watching, and who they are communicating with online – and keep the conversation going as they grow older.

2. Know your parental controls.

Do your research; there are many different parental control options available these days, and depending on you and your child, you will need different things. Whatever controls you implement, they should be partly scaffolding your children to manage these things on their own in the future.

3. Put the computer in a communal area.

Putting the computer in a central area, rather than in a child’s bedroom, is a simple way to make sure you’re aware of your child’s online activities. You can even make a rule of no devices allowed in the kids’ bedrooms if needed.

4. Create strong passwords.

Demonstrate how to create strong passwords that aren’t easy to guess. If you are not sure you know how to yourself, find out! Passwords should never be shared (except with parents), and this includes their friends!

5. Explain the concept of a digital footprint.

Encourage your children to think about the future before posting online. Before posting something, they should consider that there is every chance a future employer may see it. Nothing on the internet is entirely private, and content never completely goes away.

6. Teach digital citizenship.

The online environment can give a feeling of anonymity. This can encourage kids (and grown-ups) to say and do things they wouldn’t do in real life. They should never say anything online that they wouldn’t say to another person’s face.

7. Teach caution of strangers.

Online chatting should be primarily with friends and family. Remind kids that people online might not be who they say they are; they should never give any private information.

8. Lead by example.

Model the positive online behaviour you would like your children to use. If they see you being cautious and respectable online and hear you speaking honestly about your activity online, they are more likely to do the same.

9. Participate in an online webinar with the eSafety Commissioner.

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides regular online webinars for parents and children on many areas related to safety. Some webinars are for parents only, some for parents and children together.

10. Keep the lines of communication open.

Regularly be in conversation about how your family values affect behaviour online. Make sure your children know they can always come to you if something isn’t right. When you respond, remember, whatever you do, you want them to feel comfortable to come to you again.