AD. In today’s digital world, children are spending more time online than ever - playing games, chatting with friends, learning, and exploring. But with that freedom comes risk. As children grow more independent online, parents need to stay informed and proactive in protecting them. From online gaming to social media, the digital world is full of potential dangers and your role in guiding safe behaviour is more important than ever. Here are practical steps you can take to help keep your children safe online.
[Photo by Alexander Dummer on Unsplash]
Understand the Law and Your Role
As a parent or guardian, you are your child’s first line of defence online. The UK’s Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, was designed to make the internet safer for children.
But even with these measures in place, parents still play a crucial role in keeping children safe online. That means setting clear boundaries around screen time and internet use, guiding children on what’s appropriate to share, and staying open to conversations about what they’re encountering online.
Set Controls and Secure Accounts
Make the most of built-in parental controls available on phones, tablets, game consoles, and streaming platforms. These tools give you the power to block inappropriate content, set screen time limits, filter online searches and chats, and approve downloads or app purchases.
Be sure to check privacy settings on apps and games so that only trusted, approved friends can interact with your child, helping create a safer and more secure digital environment.
In addition to controls, help your child create strong, unique passwords for their online accounts. You don’t have to rely on memory alone; a secure password manager can generate and store complex passwords safely, giving both you and your child peace of mind.
Manage Online Gaming and Spending
Games can offer fun and educational experiences, but they also present some of the highest online risks for children - from in-game chat with strangers to unexpected spending. To stay in control, use device or console settings to block or limit purchases, review age ratings and feedback before approving new games and talk openly with your child about who they’re playing with and the nature of their conversations.
Keep an eye out for unfamiliar usernames or invitations to move chats to private platforms, and make regular check-ins part of your digital parenting routine.
Start Open Conversations Early
The best protection starts with open, ongoing conversation. Make space to talk about key topics such as recognising signs of cyberbullying, spotting fake profiles or online scams, understanding deepfakes and why they’re a concern, and knowing how to respond if they come across upsetting content. These discussions help build trust and equip children with the tools they need to stay safe and confident online. Reassure them that they can come to you without fear of punishment or judgment. The goal is to build trust, not control.
