How to Protect Your Kids Online: 5 Simple Digital Safety Habits

Scott Pagel
Jul 3
4 min read

In a world increasingly driven by technology, children are spending more time online than ever before. A 2022 report from Common Sense Media found that kids aged 8 to 12 spend an average of nearly 5 hours online each day. With this growing exposure, ensuring their safety on the internet is crucial. The internet can be a treasure trove of information and entertainment, but it also harbors significant dangers like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and scams. Fortunately, by practicing a few straightforward digital safety habits, parents can help shield their kids as they explore the online landscape. In this guide to online safety for kids, we'll cover five effective strategies to enhance your child's online safety.

1. Utilize Parental Controls

Using parental controls is one of the most effective ways to ensure online safety for kids. These tools empower you to monitor and limit their online activities, ensuring access to age-appropriate content.

Most modern devices come equipped with built-in parental control features. For instance, Android and iOS devices allow you to set restrictions on app usage and web content based on your child's age. If your child is under 13, both Google Family Link, Microsoft Family Safety, and Apple’s Screen Time offer helpful management tools.

In addition to built-in features, consider third-party applications like Net Nanny or Qustodio, which can provide in-depth monitoring. These tools can track not only online activity but also screen time, helping you set limits effectively.

2. Promote Safe Browsing Habits

Teaching kids about safe browsing habits is vital. Explain clearly why they shouldn’t share personal information—like their full name, address, or school—on public forums or social media. For example, let them know that a simple post sharing their school name and location could make them vulnerable to strangers.

Guide them toward using kid-safe websites and apps. Platforms like National Geographic Kids or PBS Kids are recognized for their security and educational value. Use Kiddle, a safe search tool for kids. Show them how to identify secure websites; for instance, they should look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar.

Creating a curated list of safe sites can simplify their browsing experience. You could even set their browser’s homepage to a kid-friendly search engine like Kiddle, which filters out inappropriate content.

3. Educate Kids About Phishing and Scams

Phishing scams are a significant threat to online safety, and it's crucial to educate your kids about them. Phishing occurs when cybercriminals use deceptive emails or messages to trick individuals into revealing personal information.

Begin by explaining phishing in relatable terms. Show them examples of phishing emails—one study revealed that 75% of people can’t correctly identify phishing attempts. Use Google Phishing Quiz tool with your kids to practice spotting phishing. Highlight common red flags such as misspelled words, overly generic greetings, and suspicious links. Encourage your children to bring any unexpected messages to your attention.

Teach them to recognize secured sites and verify links before clicking. By arming them with this knowledge, you will empower them to be cautious and informed online.

“At SafeStorz, we’ve helped families recover from phishing attacks that began with what looked like a harmless email from 'Apple Support.' The lesson: when in doubt, ask before clicking.”

4. Set Time Limits for Screen Usage

Excessive screen time not only exposes children to harmful content but can also lead to negative health outcomes, such as sleep disruption and lack of physical activity. Research indicates that kids aged 6 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day in front of screens.

Creating a family media plan can help promote a balanced approach. Outline when and how long your kids can use devices, encouraging regular breaks and offline activities like sports or reading.

Many parental control apps enable you to set screen time limits automatically. For instance, FamilyTime allows parents to schedule screen time, ensuring kids engage in healthy offline activities while still enjoying the benefits of the digital world.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends "co-viewing" or shared tech time—engaging with digital content together—as a valuable way for parents to stay involved, guide media use, and foster meaningful conversations with their children. Watching or exploring content side by side helps model healthy digital habits and strengthens family connections.

5. Communicate Regularly with Your Kids

Open communication is essential in helping children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences. Make it a point to regularly ask about their internet activities, their favorite games, and the friends they talk to online.

Instead of just asking ‘What did you do online today?’ try: ‘What was the coolest thing you learned?’ or ‘Did you see anything today that felt weird or off?’

Engaging in these discussions not only keeps you informed but also reassures your children that they can share concerns without fear of judgment. Establish a safe space for them to share their experiences, mistakes, or anything concerning them.

By fostering ongoing dialogues, your kids will be more likely to approach you when they face online dangers, providing you with the opportunity to guide and support them.

Final Thoughts

To create a secure online environment for your kids, start implementing these straightforward yet effective digital safety habits. Use parental controls, promote safe browsing, educate them about phishing, establish screen time limits, and maintain open communication.

Remember, the aim is not to isolate your children from the internet but to empower them with the tools they need to navigate it safely. By instilling these habits, you will significantly improve your child's online safety while helping them grow into responsible digital users.