How to Keep Your Family Safe Online

It’s no secret that children and teens are spending a lot of time on the internet. A report from Common Sense Media shows that average screen time is five to eight hours a day for young people [1].

Those numbers can be worrisome, because we know that internet use has risks, including exposure to inappropriate content, stranger danger and bullying [2]. Many studies have also shown that social media has damaging effects on mental health for children and teens [3].

As a parent, you have probably felt some concern about how to protect your family from online threats. There are many things you can do to make online activity safer, including limiting screen time, applying parental controls, and monitoring your children’s activity. Read on for practical tips on how to keep your family safe online.

Benefits and Risks of the Internet

The internet offers positive opportunities for learning, entertainment, and connection. Kids can access educational resources, play interactive games, and stay in touch with friends and family. However, these benefits come with potential risks, including:

• Exposure to inappropriate content
• Cyberbullying
• Online predators
• Privacy breaches
• Excessive screen time
• Misinformation

By staying aware of both the positives and negatives, you can take a balanced approach to online safety.

Setting Up a Safe Online Environment

Creating a secure digital space for your family starts with the right setup and tools.

Secure Your Home Network

1. Use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password
2. Enable WPA3 encryption (if available on your router)
3. Regularly update your router’s firmware
4. Consider setting up a guest network for visitors

Install and Update Security Software

• Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware programs
• Keep all software, including operating systems, up to date
• Enable firewalls on your devices

Apply Parental Controls

Most devices and platforms offer built-in parental control features. Learn how to use them effectively with some of the following features:

• Set up age-appropriate content filters
• Limit screen time and set usage schedules
• Approve or block app installations
• Monitor online activity (while respecting privacy)

Remember that parental controls are not foolproof. Open communication and education are key parts of keeping kids safe online..

Teaching Safe Online Habits

Teaching your children the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely. Their own choices are crucial for their long-term online safety.

Create Strong Passwords

Teach your kids the importance of strong, unique passwords.

• Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• Avoid personal information in passwords
• Never share passwords with friends
• Consider using a reputable password manager for the family

Recognize and Report Phishing

Help your children spot phishing attempts and avoid them. You can turn this into a fun game and celebrate when they recognize a potential phisher! But at the same time, make sure they know that there are serious potential consequences to falling for a phishing scam. Here are the basics they need to know:

• Be wary of unexpected emails or messages asking for personal information
• Check sender email addresses carefully
• Don’t click on suspicious links or download unknown attachments
• Report suspected phishing to you or their school

Practice Safe Social Media Use

Guide your kids in responsible social media behavior with some elementary principles.

• Use privacy settings to limit who can see their posts
• Think before sharing personal information or location data
• Be kind and respectful in online interactions

Encourage Critical Thinking

Teach your children to question what they see online.

• Verify information from multiple reliable sources
• Recognize the difference between fact and opinion
• Be aware of targeted advertising and sponsored content

Protecting Personal Information

With the rise of data breaches and identity theft, safeguarding personal information is crucial.

Limit Sharing Personal Details

Instruct your family to be cautious about sharing:

• Full names
• Birthdates
• Home addresses
• Phone numbers
• School information

Use Privacy Settings

Help your children set up privacy controls on all their accounts:

• Review and adjust settings regularly
• Limit who can see their profiles and posts
• Be cautious about location sharing

Be Mindful of Digital Footprints

Explain the concept of a digital footprint to your children. Help them understand the consequences of their posts. Encourage them to use “handles” or online aliases rather than their real names, but also let them know that people can figure out who you really are even if you use an alias. Encourage them to be free with their thoughts and questions in safe situations in real life, but to be much more careful online.

• Once something is posted, it can be difficult or impossible to remove
• Future employers or schools may look at online presence
• Encourage positive online contributions

Dealing with Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that can have lasting impacts on children’s mental health and well-being.

Recognize the Signs

Be alert for signs that your child might be experiencing cyberbullying:

• Sudden avoidance of digital devices
• Emotional distress after using the internet
• Secretive behavior about online activities
• Changes in mood, behavior, or sleep patterns

Respond Appropriately

If your child is being cyberbullied:

• Listen without judgment and offer support
• Document the bullying (screenshots, dates, details)
• Report the behavior to the platform and school if applicable
• Consider blocking the bully
• Seek professional help if needed

Promote Kindness and Empathy

Encourage your children to be upstanders, not bystanders:

• Teach them to support peers who are being bullied
• Model respectful online behavior yourself
• Discuss the impact of words and actions, even in digital spaces

Managing Screen Time

Excessive screen time can impact physical and mental health, social skills, and academic performance.

Set Clear Guidelines

Establish family rules for device use to keep your kids (and you!) healthy.

• Designate device-free times and zones (e.g., during meals, before bedtime)
• Balance screen time with physical activity and face-to-face interactions
• Use screen time as a privilege, not a right

Lead by Example

Model healthy digital habits to gain the most credibility with your children.

• Put your own devices away during family time
• Engage in non-screen activities together
• Discuss the importance of balancing online and offline life

Encourage Healthy Alternatives

Help your kids find engaging offline activities that they truly enjoy.

• Sports and physical games
• Reading books
• Arts and crafts
• Outdoor exploration
• Family game nights

Staying Informed and Adapting

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and so should your approach to online safety.

Keep Learning

Stay up-to-date on the latest online trends and threats:

• Follow reputable tech news sources
• Attend parent workshops or webinars on digital safety
• Join online communities focused on family internet safety

Maintain Open Communication

Foster an environment where your kids feel comfortable discussing their online experiences:

• Ask about their favorite apps and websites
• Show interest in their online activities without judgment
• Encourage them to come to you with any concerns or questions

Regularly Review and Adjust Your Plan

As your children grow and technology changes, revisit your family’s online safety plan:

• Update parental controls and privacy settings
• Reassess rules and guidelines as appropriate for each child’s age and maturity
• Be willing to adapt your approach based on new information and experiences

Government Action and Resources for Children’s Health

New legislation may change the rules about how kids use the internet. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is one proposed solution that would hold tech companies more accountable for content that might harm children [4].

The Surgeon General has issued an advisory about the effects of social media use on youth mental health [5]. Read it to get an expert medical perspective on the issues involved.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has a good website with a number of quick summaries of internet dangers and how to minimize risk [6].

Sources

[1] NYTimes.com. “Child Social Media Use."

[2] MayoClinic.org. “Teens and Social Media Use."

[3] Stanford.edu. “Social Media Addiction and Mental Health."

[4] Justice.gov. “Keeping Children Safe Online."

[5] HHS.gov. “Surgeon General Issues New Advisory About the Effects of Social Media Use on Youth Mental Health."

[6] CISA.gov. “Secure Yourself and Your Family."

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