Keeping your child safe online: 5 top tips for parents
Answers to your FAQs on keeping your children and young people safe on the internet
As a parent, we know your child’s safety is your top priority.
In an increasingly digital world, it can be hard to keep track of the latest technological trends and how we can protect our children from online risks.
That’s why we’ve asked our child protection expert to answer the top five most frequently asked questions about protecting your little ones online.
- I am worried about my child going online, should I stop them?
- What can I do to keep my child safe online?
- What online safety tools exist?
- How can my child’s privacy and data be protected?
- Where can my children get help if they see something worrying online or they are exploited or abused?
I am worried about my child going online. Should I stop them?
The online space opens a world of opportunities for children to learn, play and socialize with their friends or peers.
It’s important to understand that spending time online comes with risks, including cyberbullying, online abuse, and exploitation, such as sharing sexually explicit images and viewing potentially harmful content. As a parent or caregiver, we can recognize these risks and take steps to prevent them.
What can I do to keep my child safe online?
Speak to your child about online safety. A positive and open conversation, free from blame and shame, can help children speak up and reach out to the services they need if they do encounter exploitation and abuse online.
You can start by asking your child about who their online friends are or if there’s anything they’re worried about. Let them know you’re available to listen – empathy and good communication are great offline tools! It’s good to also help your child understand that their online behaviour can affect others, and vice versa.
Here are some useful resources online that can assist you with these conversations.
Children often ‘know’ the perpetrators of online abuse. Gently remind them of the signs to be aware of - many of the same behaviours and factors that keep children safe from offline risks can help keep them safe online.
What online safety tools should I use?
Start by familiarizing yourself with online safety tools on the apps and platforms your child uses or may use. These include the Safe Search option that most browsers and common search engines have (usually under the ‘Settings’ menu) and parental controls on devices, especially for younger children.
Some platforms have also developed their own guides and tips on staying safe online, being good digital citizens and developing digital skills, for example Meta.
How can I protect my child’s data and privacy?
Reading the privacy policies of the different video and communication tools your child is using is ideal, but a quick online search can also provide useful information. Simply put the name of the application in quotes in the search box and use phrasing like this: “Application name” & privacy risks. Also ensure that your child’s devices have the latest software updates and anti-virus programmes, and that the privacy settings are set to “high”. When your child is using any new application, make sure their location cannot be identified or used to trace where they might be.
Information on data privacy concerning social media accounts your child may use is available here.
Remember that when they step away from the camera, for any reason, the video may still be recording. Use a piece of tape or a post-it note to cover the camera when not using it to remind everyone in the family when the camera is on. Most importantly, ensure that the video is turned off at the end of any session.
Make sure your child understands how to protect their own identity and data and to not share any personal details like their address, bank details or passwords with anyone.
Where can we get help if my children see something worrying online or they are exploited or abused?
Most social media platforms and apps have built-in reporting tools. Visit the FAQ or help section of the apps your child is using to find out more.
If you find unwanted sexual content online or feel your child might be at risk of sexual exploitation, know where to report it. Depending on where you live, there may be a national hotline for reporting child sexual abuse material, but wherever you live, you can make a report through the Internet Watch Foundation and NCMEC's CyberTipline.
It’s important to be aware of signs of your child being upset or distressed from their time spent on the internet so you can quickly help your child contact and access support, for example through a national Child Helpline.
Also be sure to identify trusted people, either adults or peers, your child can talk to. Your child may not always be the most comfortable speaking to you as a parent about some of the things they may encounter online. Identify together someone that they would be okay talking to about what they experience online, whom both of you trust, and agree that this is the person they will speak to. And encourage them to reach out to that person immediately when they feel the need to.
We all have a role to play in making the internet a safer and better place for our children. Let’s start in our homes.
For more tips see UNICEF Parenting Hub.