There are risks that come with letting your children be online. Talking to your children about online safety doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or difficult, so let’s look at how to keep the conversation open and age-appropriate so that children feel confident in making safe choices when online and asking for help when needed.
Start the conversation early
Children are introduced to lots of digital devices at an increasingly young age. By starting early, you can help make safe online behaviour feel like a normal part of everyday life. Simple lessons, such as not talking to strangers online or checking with a parent before downloading apps, will provide a foundation that you can build on as they grow older. You can also explain the importance of basic website security checks, such as looking for a padlock symbol or ‘https’ before visiting a site.
Keep it age-appropriate
Younger children may only need to know the basics, such as how they should keep personal details private and how they can recognise when something doesn’t feel right. Teenagers, on the other hand, will need deeper conversations about cyberbullying, how to manage their privacy settings, and how their digital footprint can affect their future. This stage is also a good time to explain concepts such as scams and phishing, including how Website Security Checks will help to spot unsafe platforms.
Encourage openness
The most important thing you can do is keep communication lines open. Let your children know they can come to talk to you if they feel uncomfortable or see something worrying.