These cyber safety tips are essential for every kid
"Alexa, play Baby Shark for the 400th time!"..."Hey Siri, what's forty plus four?" These are just some of the ways my child interacts with the digital world (for now).
But these tiny tech wizards enter the digital world in the blink of an eye and parents are stuck googling, “How to keep children safe from the internet without living off the grid.”
From cyberbullies to data breaches, the digital world is full of risks. Here’s a simple guide to cyber safety for kids – so they can safely explore the web without accidentally buying a $500 tub on Amazon, (Gee, Thanks, Alexa!) or having their identity stolen!
Cyber safety for kids
The internet offers incredible benefits, but it’s also home to dangers like online predators, identity theft, and cyberbullying. Teaching children about internet safety is essential keeping them safe online and protecting their physical and mental well-being.
Instead of banning technology until they’re 18, a smarter approach is to equip kids with the tools to navigate digital risks and stay safe online.
A 2019 Headspace survey revealed that 53% of young Australians faced cyberbullying, with many incidents going unreported, leading to emotional distress. Australia’s high internet usage and strong economy also make it a prime target for cybercrime.
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Types of online abuse
1. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying (or online bullying) involves sending hurtful messages or posts online, often through platforms like Snapchat. It can cause serious emotional harm, leading to anxiety, depression, and even self-harm. The effects can damage a child’s self-esteem, disrupt academics, and impact their overall well-being.
2. Harassment and predators
Harassers and predators online often hide behind fake profiles, posing as “friends” to trick young kids into sharing personal info, explicit content, or even arranging in-person meetups.
A survey of children aged 8 to 17 and their parents revealed that six in ten kids have interacted with someone they met online, one in eight have sent photos or videos to these individuals, and another one in eight have met them in person after connecting online.
3. Identity theft
Identity theft involves stealing personal information to impersonate someone online. Tactics like phishing are used to gather details about your child and family to hack accounts, commit fraud, or engage in illegal activities.
4. Explicit and inappropriate content
Curious kids can easily stumble upon disturbing corners of the internet, exposing them to violent, sexual, or graphic online content. From offensive language and hate speech to explicit images, this content can be harmful to a child’s developing mind – as you can imagine.
According to statistics, 57% of Australians aged between 12 and 17 have been exposed to real violence on the internet, and nearly half of Aussie kids between 9 and 16 years of age are regularly exposed to sexual images.
Online safety and protection tools
You have to be tech-savvy and up-to-date to keep your kids safe online!
This will let you block adult content and limit personal info sharing with a few easy clicks, while also setting guidelines that can prevent your kid from accidentally ending up in some dark corner of the internet.
1. Understand app risks and privacy settings
If a website has “https” (that magical little ‘s’), it’s more secure. If it’s missing, steer clear.
Many devices and internet services come with built-in parental controls that don’t require additional purchases. For instance, Apple devices offer Screen Time, allowing you to manage content, apps, and settings on your child’s iPhone or iPad. YouTube Kids provides a controlled environment for younger viewers, with settings that can be adjusted through Family Link or directly within the YouTube Kids app.
2. Strong passwords and security measures
Teach your child the value of strong passwords—because “123456” won’t cut it in the digital age! Help them create robust passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra peace of mind. A password manager is also a great idea.
For younger kids, holding onto their passwords lets you keep an eye on their internet adventures. If your tween insists they’re ready for social media, make them share their passwords. After all, you wouldn’t let them roam a wild jungle without a guide!
3. Prioritise open communication
Make talking about online safety a regular family affair! Explain cyberbullying and the dos and don’ts of online chatter. Encourage kids to come to you with any awkward online encounters—like that time they were messaged by a random kid who asked them a weird question. Encourage them to chat with a trusted adult if they ever feel threatened online.
Pro tip: Let little ones come up with an internet name based on a favourite character. They can use this name online on random gaming apps. This way, their name, DOB and other data will stay safe.
For older kids, be clear about what they can and can not share online.
4. Monitor activities
Keep the family computer in a common area so you can casually peek at what everyone’s up to. Consider using a shared email account, too. If your child is on social media, make sure you have the keys to their kingdom to help manage their accounts.
5. Set reasonable boundaries
Set screen time limits for everything—from homework to gaming. Keep social media and email on a short leash and lay down the law for texting.
6. Teach them how to navigate the online world
Show your kids how to be tech-savvy superheroes by demonstrating responsible and positive tech use yourself. Limit your own screen time to prove that you can live without binge-watching cat videos for a few hours. No more doom scrolling!
And for all the scary stuff we talk about, there’s also value in educational content and safe online fun, like videos and learning apps. Use those as examples of building positive online experiences.
7. Choosing the right antivirus software
Protect your child’s device with reliable antivirus software to block online threats. Look for features like automatic updates, strong malware detection, and web protection. Trusted options like Kaspersky, Norton, and Avast can help keep your system secure and your children’s internet use safe.
8. Avoiding online purchases
Online shopping offers convenience and accessibility, but one unattended child with an Alexa can turn into a nightmare!
Lay the ground rules of online shopping. Before making any online purchases, they should always seek a parent’s permission.
9. Explain safe online relationships
This step is so important to protect your child’s personal information and privacy online. Teach your children to be cautious with their online friends and connections. They can only add or ‘friend’ people they know in real life and not accept friend requests from strangers.
Resources for kids and parents
- Visit the eSafety Commissioner: Australia’s dedicated resource for online safety information, tips, and reporting tools.
- Kids Helpline is a free, confidential phone and online counselling service. You can call 1800 55 1800 or visit their website for support.
- ReachOut provides practical online tools and forums for kids facing a tough time and covers issues like cyber safety and mental health.
Sources
Raising Children, Internet safety: children 6-8 years, June 2023
UNICEF Australi, 6 ways you can keep your young person safe online, n.d
Cyber.gov, Protect your children online: A guide to cyber security for parents and carers, May 2024
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