Kids don’t need to know everything about the internet to use it safely—but they do need a few clear rules they can actually follow. These five tips focus on practical habits that reduce risk on games, apps, social platforms, and school devices.
Teach kids to never share their full name, address, school, phone number, passwords, or real-time location. Usernames should avoid identifying details (no birth year, school mascot, or town).
Help your child create long, unique passwords (a short passphrase works well), and store them in a password manager you control. Enable two-factor authentication on accounts that offer it—especially email, gaming, and social apps.
Make a simple rule: only accept friend requests or DMs from people they know in real life. If someone pressures them to move the conversation to another app, share photos, or keep secrets, they should stop and tell an adult.
Use age-appropriate controls for downloads, purchases, and content. Turn off location sharing where it isn’t needed, limit who can message them, and review privacy settings after updates since apps can reset defaults.
Explain that scams often look urgent or exciting: “free Robux,” “you won,” “account banned,” or fake giveaways. If a link, file, or pop-up feels off, they should close it and ask for help instead of reacting fast.
For a parent-friendly checklist that combines screen-time boundaries with safety steps, visit this screen time and safety guide.
Set expectations upfront, use shared rules (like device-free times and approved apps), and review activity together on a regular schedule. Focus on coaching and safety, not “gotcha” surveillance, and explain what you check and why.
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