The Busy Parent's Cheat Sheet to Internet Safety
Dear Grown Up,
Being a parent is a relentless grind. I feel you. Giving your kid some screen time is completely understandable. The goal here is to make that time safe. Today, our kids are navigating a vast online world full of opportunity, wonder, innovation and serious dangers.
You might think, "My kid needs to be tech-savvy for the future." That is a fair point, but here's the reality: Being truly tech-savvy isn't about unlimited access—it's about smart, safe, and purposeful use of technology.
If you need to be convinced of the potential dangers of unrestricted access to online spaces, you can read 100 Reasons Why Our Kids Need Protection Online.
In the following guide, we'll explore practical, easy-to-implement strategies that balance online safety with essential digital skills.
Ready to raise a responsible digital citizen? Let's dive in.
🚀 Quick Start: 5 Power Moves
1. Set up parental controls and activate safety tools
2. Create a family media agreement
3. Designate tech-free zones and times
4. Co-view digital content with your kids
5. Teach digital literacy skills
🛠️ Tech Safety Tools
iPhone/iPad: Settings > Screen Time
Android: Google Family Link app
Home network: OpenDNS (blocks nasty stuff for all devices). Here is our guide: OpenDNS: The Digital Security System for Your Home Network
Gaming consoles: Use their respective parental control apps. Here is our guide: A Quick Guide to Parental Controls on Gaming Consoles
🎥 YouTube Safety Hacks
Check out our guide: From Harmless to Harmful: YouTube’s Slippery Slope and How to Grip It.
Curate playlists of approved content. You can check out our curated lists here: Your Guide to Safe & Awesome YouTube Playlists for Kids
📲 Media Agreement Download
Common Sense Media has put together a family contract that you can download and sign: Common Sense Media Family Media Agreement and Device Contract
📺 Co-viewing with Your Kids
Open communication is your best tool for online safety. To nurture this communication, engage in shared media experiences by listening to your kid’s music, watching their TV shows and movies, exploring their favourite apps, and discussing their preferences. You can encourage critical thinking by asking questions and providing insights when needed.
For helpful tips on co-viewing, check out this tip sheet by Media Smarts: Tips for Co-viewing with Kids
By implementing some simple strategies, you can:
1. Foster critical thinking skills that serve your child both online and offline
2. Protect against very real threats without helicopter parenting
3. Teach responsible tech use—a crucial skill for future careers
4. Strengthen your parent-child bond by navigating this digital journey together