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Internet safety tips and tools

Children are growing up in an inescapably online world. Rather than hoping they avoid it, guide them through safe, responsible use.

1 in 5Children approached onlineWill be approached by an offender online.
1 in 20Receive unwanted contactOf children who use the internet; only 25 percent told a parent.
1 in 12Exchanged inappropriate messagesWith strangers.
50,000Offenders onlineAt any given moment, by one estimate.

Prohibit

Red-flag apps

Apps that should not be on a child's phone, and why.

Monitor

Parental control apps

Tools to safeguard your children's online activity.

How to talk to your kids about internet safety

Before allowing a child to use a phone or device, take the time to explain the responsibilities and the rules of engagement.

  1. 01

    Communicate and educate

    Teach them how to use their device and its features. Have age-appropriate discussions about online threats, offenders, manipulation and trafficking. Teach them to avoid bullying, violence and inappropriate content, to treat others as they want to be treated, and to block and report a bully.

  2. 02

    Agree on ground rules

    Set screen-time limits (on Apple devices, Settings then Screen Time). Show them which apps and websites they may use. Know their passwords and keep access to devices, apps and sites. No talking to strangers: people online are often not who they say they are, so organise play dates with the people your child socialises with and get to know them. Teach them to get your permission before sharing personal information, filling out forms, sharing location, clicking unfamiliar links or downloading anything. Take phones and devices away at night and charge them in your room on airplane mode.

  3. 03

    Teach them how to protect themselves

    Make them aware that there are people trying to steal information or harm children. Teach them what to do if they encounter something scary, uncomfortable or inappropriate. Explain that nothing posted online is ever completely deleted, even if it is private or time-limited, so they should never share anything they would not want shared with everyone for the rest of their life. Teach them to tell you right away when something is wrong, and use antivirus software.

  4. 04

    Explain why you will monitor them

    Be upfront about your responsibility to protect them and to monitor their activity and browsing history. Have an open-book policy: everything they do online is your business, and safety always comes before privacy. Use monitoring and parental control apps that notify you when a blocked or unsafe site is attempted, and schedule screen time. Restrict content on their computer, keep it in a shared family room, and teach them how to earn your trust by reporting honestly.

  5. 05

    Encourage open, honest communication

    Appreciate and reward honesty, even about things that upset you. Listen to their concerns and questions and give thoughtful answers. Involve them in setting boundaries and rules. Make sure they know you will always be there, advocate for them, and act when they need help.

  6. 06

    Emphasise the positive

    Guide them to positive, age-appropriate, educational and fun activities online. Enrol them in courses and programs that enrich their skills and education, and be an example of using the internet for good, meaningful purposes.

Live Q&A with technologist Mark Stross

Mark Stross, visionary technologist, and former intelligence officer Craig "Sawman" Sawyer explain what you need to know to protect children in the digital age: the risks children face online and effective ways to keep them safe. A must-watch for every parent.

Knowledge is power. Giving your kids the education and tools they need to protect themselves online goes a long way toward safe and enjoyable experiences.