In a world increasingly connected by digital technology, equipping kids with the skills to stay safe online is more important than ever. This practical guide provides parents with creative and age-appropriate strategies to engage children in understanding the nuances of online security. From interactive activities to constructive conversations, learn how to lay a foundation of digital safety awareness that grows with your child.
Age-Appropriate Discussions
Start with simple concepts for toddlers, like what you're doing when using devices. If you don’t tell them what you are doing, they don’t know - all they see is their parent(s) looking at a screen. For younger children you can simplify what you are doing. For example, let’s say you are using a map application on your phone, tell the child the phone is giving you directions for where you need to be and you wouldn’t know how to go otherwise. For older children, discuss the importance of keeping personal information private and the dangers of suspicious links. Gradually introduce complex topics like cyberbullying and social media use.
Learn how to start conversations
Family Online Safety Institute Watch the “How To Be A Good Digital Parent” video series. You’ll learn how to start conversations with your children about online safety and how to be a good role model for them. They offer 2 free toolkits for parents in Spanish - one for ages 6-11 years old and one for 12+ ages.
Make it fun - use games and videos
LEGO Build & Talk Activities is aimed at children ages 6 to 9, use LEGO® bricks to discuss digital safety topics. They cover cyberbullying, teaching children to recognize and respond to online misbehavior; screen time management, emphasizing balanced usage and breaks; understanding and dealing with false information online; online security practices; the importance of privacy and safe information sharing; and the concept of digital footprints.
Google's Be Internet Awesome is similar to the Lego Build & Talk activities, as it uses an interactive game to teach children. They play a game called Interland and explore 4 areas. The game covers the topics how to share and communicate online, how to spot what’s real or fake, how to safeguard your valuable data and choices you have to protect your privacy, how to be kind online, and how to talk to trusted adults about questionable things they encounter online. The game allows children to practice situations (and can also be helpful for adults too!), while trying to explore the areas of the game.
Digital Matters offers free interactive lessons from this platform for 6-11 year olds that teach children online safety concepts, providing a blend of learning and play.
If you have access to Netflix, watch Season 1, Episode 1 from Brainchild titled "Social Media" with your child. The show itself offers an educational perspective through scientific experiments on various topics. Social Media is particularly useful, as it explores the psychology behind selfies, the impact of online cruelty, and the addictive nature of social media platforms.
The Role of Parental Modeling
Parents are encouraged to model safe internet practices and maintain open communication to help children navigate their online experiences. For instance, if you receive a phishing email/text message, show it to your child and explain how you identified it as a scam and what you will do with it.
Teaching internet safety is an essential and continuous part of parenting nowadays. I hope these are some tools that parents can use to help children understand and navigate the online world safely. The key is to start with simple, age-appropriate lessons and progressively introduce more complex topics. Remember, your example as a parent is influential. Engage with your children, use interactive and educational resources, and keep the lines of communication open.
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