- Open, calm conversation protects children better than strict bans alone.
- Use parental controls and privacy settings, but keep talking.
- Make sure children know they can tell you about anything that upsets them, without fear of punishment.
The short answer
The internet offers children learning, friendship and fun, but also risks such as contact with strangers, bullying, harmful content and scams. The best protection is a mix of three things: ongoing conversation, sensible settings and clear family rules. No tool replaces an adult who stays interested and approachable.
Start with conversation
- Ask what they enjoy online and who they talk to, out of interest and not suspicion.
- Explain why some rules exist, so they are not just orders.
- Tell them they will not be punished for telling you about something upsetting, even if they broke a rule.
- Keep the talk going as they grow. A rule for a seven-year-old is different from one for a fifteen-year-old.
Set up the technology
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Parental control apps | Google Family Link (Android) and Screen Time (iPhone) set time limits and approve apps |
| Child-friendly services | YouTube Kids and similar services filter content for younger ages |
| App privacy settings | Make accounts private and limit who can message or tag |
| Safe search | Reduces unsuitable results in search engines |
Most social platforms set a minimum age of 13. Check the rules before allowing an account, and set up the account together at first.
Privacy and sharing
- Keep accounts private and accept only people they know in real life.
- Never share their home address, school, phone number or live location publicly.
- Explain that photos and messages can be copied and shared by others.
- Use strong passwords and keep them private from friends. A password manager and two-factor login helps older teens.
- Review the apps together using our guide to social media privacy settings.
Know the warning signs of unsafe contact
Be alert if an online contact, especially an adult, asks a child to keep secrets, move the chat to a private app, send photos, or offers gifts. Children should be taught that they can say no, stop replying and tell a trusted adult straight away. If you suspect a child is being targeted, save the messages, report the account to the platform and contact the police or a child-protection service.
Cyberbullying
- Take it seriously and listen first.
- Save evidence such as screenshots.
- Block and report the person on the platform.
- Contact the school if it involves classmates.
- Encourage the child to avoid replying in anger.
Scams, apps and content
Children can be tricked by fake giveaways, game cheats and free-money offers. Teach them not to click unknown links or download unofficial apps. Our guides to fake apps and malware and phishing emails and SMS scams are good family reading, and the guide to fake news and misinformation helps older children think critically.
Balance screen time
- Agree on screen-free times such as meals and bedtime.
- Keep phones out of bedrooms overnight.
- Encourage sports, reading and time with friends.
- Set a good example, because children copy adults.
Quick checklist
- Talk often and listen calmly
- Use parental controls and privacy settings
- Keep accounts private
- Teach them never to share personal details
- Know where to report problems
- Set healthy screen-time rules together
Key points to remember
Safety grows from trust. Keep the conversation open, stay curious about their online world and update the rules as they grow.
