Digital Safety for Kids: Protecting Your Child Online

by Tasha Mayberry

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Children today grow up with screens. By the age of 8, over 42% of kids have their own tablet, according to a Common Sense Media report. TikTok, YouTube, and gaming platforms are their stomping grounds. Learning? Entertainment? Socializing? All at their fingertips.

But with accessibility comes risk. Cyberbullying, online scams, identity theft, and exposure to explicit content—these aren’t just concerns. They’re realities.

Common Threats Lurking Online

Cyberbullying – No longer confined to schoolyards, bullying has migrated online. Nearly 37% of kids experience cyberbullying, and in extreme cases, it leads to anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
Online Predators – Grooming is a real and present danger. Predators disguise themselves as friends, gaining trust before exploitation begins.
Inappropriate Content – Kids stumble across explicit content more often than parents think. A study by GuardChild found that 70% of kids ages 7-18 have unintentionally encountered online porn.
Phishing & Scams – That “free Robux” link? It’s a trap. Many children fall for phishing scams that steal personal data.
Privacy Leaks – Oversharing is the norm, but what’s innocent to a child (like posting a school name) is valuable to bad actors.

How to Keep Your Child Safe

I would like to separately note a fairly effective and simple technical method of protection on the Internet – use VPN apps. The main condition is that the provider is reliable, like VeePN VPN. If you download VPN apps for PC, you can protect all data, as they will be encrypted. VeePN also hides the IP address, which makes it impossible to determine the location or arrange a hacker attack on the equipment.

1. Open the Conversation, Keep It Going

Silence isn’t golden—it’s dangerous. Kids need to know the risks, but not in a way that scares them into secrecy. Be approachable. If they see something unsettling, they should feel comfortable telling you.

Ask questions.

“Who do you talk to online?”
“What games are you playing?”
“Have you ever seen something that made you uncomfortable?”

No judgment. No overreactions. Just trust.

2. Parental Controls: Use Them, But Don’t Rely on Them

Yes, filtering software and app restrictions help. Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time, and apps like Bark or Qustodio offer great tools. But tech alone won’t protect them. Kids are smart. They find workarounds. The key is combining tech with conversation.

3. Teach Critical Thinking: Not Everything Online Is True

Misinformation is rampant. Teach kids to question what they see.

“Does this website look official?”
“Why would someone give away free money in a game?”
“Does this person seem too good to be true?”

Encourage skepticism. It’s a skill they’ll need for life.

4. Set Boundaries, Enforce Them

No phones at the dinner table. No devices in bedrooms overnight. Screen time limits. These rules aren’t about control; they’re about balance.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests no more than 1 hour of screen time per day for kids under 5.
For older children, focus on quality over quantity. Are they learning, creating, or mindlessly scrolling?

Facebook is old news. Kids prefer TikTok, Snapchat, Discord, and Roblox. Each platform has unique dangers. Learn how they work. Check privacy settings. Activate free VPN in Chrome browser to combat cyber threats. Who can message them? Can strangers follow them? Adjust accordingly.

And remember: just because a platform says “13+” doesn’t mean kids are ready.

6. Passwords, Privacy, and Personal Info

“123456” is not a password. Neither is your child’s birthday.

Teach them to create strong passwords. Use passphrases instead of words. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. And most importantly—explain why sharing personal info (name, age, location) is a bad idea.

7. Lead by Example

Kids mimic what they see. If you’re glued to your phone, overshare on social media, or ignore online safety, they will too. Show them healthy digital habits.

When Things Go Wrong (Because They Might)

Even with precautions, mistakes happen. Maybe your child talks to a stranger. Maybe they see something disturbing. Maybe they fall for a scam.

What then? Stay calm. Panicking only makes them hide things from you.

If they’re being bullied, document everything and report it.
If they’re targeted by a predator, contact law enforcement.
If they fall for a scam, change passwords immediately.

No shame. No blame. Just solutions.

The Bottom Line

The internet isn’t going anywhere, and neither are its dangers. But with guidance, awareness, and smart habits, kids can navigate it safely. The goal isn’t to scare them—it’s to empower them. Because digital safety isn’t about restriction. It’s about preparation.

Your child’s online world is vast. Make sure they’re ready for it.

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