Online Safety: Tips for Protecting Your Children Online
Children today spend more time online than ever before, using smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles and other connected devices for learning, entertainment and communication.
While the internet offers many benefits, it can also expose children to risks such as inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online scams, unwanted contact and privacy issues.
Parents and carers can reduce these risks by combining open communication, clear rules and appropriate parental controls.
1. Keep Communication Open
One of the most important ways to help keep children safe online is to talk with them regularly about what they do on the internet.
Discuss the types of risks they may come across, including cyberbullying, inappropriate or violent content, scams and unwanted contact from strangers.
Encourage your children to speak with you if they see something that makes them feel uncomfortable, confused or unsafe.
The goal is to make online safety an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time discussion.
2. Set Clear Rules and Boundaries
Set age-appropriate rules around how and when devices can be used.
This may include:
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Screen-time limits
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Which websites and apps are allowed
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Which games are suitable
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Whether devices can be used in bedrooms
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Rules about online purchases
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Limits on social media usage
Make sure children understand why these rules are in place and what is expected of them.
Parental controls can also help enforce some of these limits automatically.
3. Use Parental Controls
Most modern devices and online services include built-in parental control features.
Depending on the platform, parental controls may allow you to:
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Block inappropriate websites
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Apply age-based content restrictions
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Limit screen time
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Restrict app installations and purchases
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Control access to games and media
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Limit communication with unknown users
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Review device usage
Parental controls are available on Windows computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, internet routers and many streaming services.
They are not a complete replacement for supervision and communication, but they can provide an additional layer of protection.
4. Understand the Apps and Platforms Your Children Use
Online services and social media platforms can change quickly.
Try to familiarise yourself with the apps, games and websites your children regularly use.
Pay particular attention to features such as:
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Private messaging
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Voice and video chat
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Location sharing
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Public profiles
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Live streaming
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In-app purchases
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Friend or follower requests
Understanding how these services work can make it easier to identify potential risks and set appropriate boundaries.
5. Stay Involved in Their Online Activity
For younger children especially, staying involved in their online activity can help identify problems early.
Depending on their age, this may include checking the websites they visit, reviewing app usage or discussing the people they interact with online.
Watch for signs that something may be wrong, such as sudden changes in behaviour, secrecy around devices, distress after using social media or unexpected contact from strangers.
As children become older, it is important to balance supervision with appropriate privacy and independence.
6. Teach Children to Protect Their Personal Information
Children should understand that personal information should not be shared freely online.
Teach them to be cautious about sharing information such as:
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Full name
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Home address
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Phone number
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School name
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Passwords
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Email addresses
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Photos showing their location
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Live location information
They should also understand that people online may not always be who they claim to be.
Encourage children to check with a trusted adult before responding to unfamiliar messages, clicking unknown links or sharing personal information.
7. Encourage Safe and Respectful Online Behaviour
Good online safety is also about how children behave toward others.
Encourage them to:
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Think before posting
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Treat others respectfully
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Avoid sharing embarrassing photos or messages about others
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Never share another person's private information without permission
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Block or report abusive users
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Speak to a trusted adult if they experience cyberbullying
Children should understand that things posted online can sometimes remain accessible for a long time, even after they appear to have been deleted.
8. Help Children Recognize Scams and Suspicious Messages
Children can also be targeted by scams, fake competitions, phishing messages and misleading advertisements.
Teach them to be suspicious of messages that:
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Offer prizes or free items
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Ask for passwords
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Request payment or gift cards
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Ask them to click unfamiliar links
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Create a sense of urgency
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Ask them to keep something secret from their parents
If something looks unusual or too good to be true, encourage them to ask an adult before taking any action.
9. Keep Devices Secure and Up to Date
Online safety also depends on basic device security.
Make sure children's devices have:
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Current operating system updates
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Updated browsers and apps
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Strong passwords or PINs
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Automatic screen locking
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Security software where appropriate
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Multi-factor authentication on important accounts
Avoid allowing children to use administrator accounts on computers where possible.
Using a standard user account can help prevent unauthorised software installations and unwanted system changes.
10. Lead by Example
Children often learn online habits by watching the adults around them.
Demonstrate responsible behavior by protecting your own personal information, using strong passwords, being respectful online and thinking carefully before posting information or photos.
It can also help to establish family-wide rules, such as avoiding devices during meals or keeping phones outside bedrooms overnight.
Reporting Online Abuse and Finding Help
The Australian Government's eSafety Commissioner provides information and support for parents, carers and children dealing with online safety issues.
Visit:
The website provides guidance on topics including:
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Cyberbullying
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Online abuse
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Inappropriate content
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Image-based abuse
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Online gaming
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Social media safety
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Parental controls
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Privacy and security
Online abuse and harmful content can also be reported through the eSafety Commissioner's reporting services.
Visit:
Creating a Safer Online Environment
No single setting, app or parental control can completely eliminate online risks.
The most effective approach combines appropriate technology with regular communication, education and involvement.
By helping children understand online risks, setting sensible boundaries and using available parental controls, parents and carers can create a safer and more positive digital environment for their family.