The internet is full of amazing opportunities for children to learn, connect, and explore. But it’s also full of hidden dangers and not every parent realises how quickly a child can stumble into harm online.
In today’s world, children are spending more time on phones, tablets, and computers than ever before. Whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, or online gaming, the digital world can feel like a playground but one without fences.
Online dangers don’t always come from “hackers” in hoodies. Sometimes, it’s fake friends, unsafe content, or strangers pretending to be children. There are also cases of cyberbullying, online scams targeting kids, and inappropriate videos disguised as cartoons.
As parents and guardians, we may not always be able to watch everything our children do online but we can create safe boundaries.
Here are 5 Simple Ways to Keep Kids Safe Online
1. Talk About Online Safety Early
Start conversations with your children about what’s safe and what’s not. Explain that not everyone online is who they say they are.
2. Set Screen Time and Privacy Rules
Decide how much time they can spend online each day and what kind of sites or apps they can use. Most devices have built-in parental controls; explore them.
3. Monitor, Don’t Spy
It’s okay to check what your child is doing online, but do it with honesty and care. Let them know you’re there to protect them, not to invade their privacy.
4. Teach Them Not to Share Personal Information
Children should never post their home address, school name, or daily routines online. This kind of information can make them easy targets for predators or scams.
5. Be a Role Model
Kids learn by watching. If you practice good digital habits like limiting screen time, avoiding unsafe links, and keeping private information private, they’ll do the same.
For more free tips or to ask your security questions, visit www.astrosecgroup.com
Author Bio
Adejoke H. Ogundare is a cybersecurity professional and Director at Astrosec Ltd, where she leads practical programmes in digital safety, fraud awareness, and online security education
