Youth Online Safety

Our world is more connected than ever before, and we use more devices than ever before to connect. Phones, computers, tablets, and video game consoles all enable easy communication across the internet.

Young children are using these devices at earlier and earlier ages, so it is important to take the time to help your child stay safe online.

- Keep an open dialogue. Talk with your child about potential dangers, such as cyberbullying, and emphazise that they can come to you about anything that may make them uncomfortable.

- Set boundaries. Limit screen time, create screen-free zones (like bedrooms), or set designated times for disconnecting.

- Use built in parental controls. Enable safety settings on internet browsers and gaming consoles (like SafeSearch) to filter inappropriate content.

- Protect payment methods. Avoid saving credit or debit cards on your child's device, which can lead to unwanted or accidental purchases. If a payment needs to be on their device, keep it's use protected by a password.

- Guard personal information. Explain to your child what information should be kept private, like their full name, address, school, age, and phone number.

- Discuss their digital footprint. Educate older children and teens about the permanance of their digital footprint. Focus on the risks of sharing photos or posts online that may be there long-term, and how they may be affected in the future.

- Lead by example. Set a good example by balancing your own screen time with offline activities.

For more information, visit http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/protecting-kids-online