Many people lament that their kids spend too much time in the digital world. It scares them, and it gives them a reason for concern. This fear can sometimes be blown out of proportion, but it’s not completely unfounded. From watching suspicious content on social media to revealing personal information to random people they play online games with, here are the top ten types of risky behavior your kids may be engaging in online and how you can keep them safe.
1. Get an app to supervise them
Sometimes, the best way to keep an eye on things is to do it without making a big deal. A supervision app lets you see what your kids are up to online without turning it into a constant battle. You’re not trying to spy on them – you’re just making sure they don’t get themselves into trouble without realizing it.
This way, you can step in without making them feel under surveillance. Also, finding the best free apps to supervise kids online is pretty easy, so you won’t have to spend money to get started.
2. Teach them about online privacy
Kids don’t always realize that sharing personal information online is bad. They might think posting their full name, school, or home address on a public profile is harmless. But that kind of information makes it too easy for strangers to track them down.
You need to sit down with them and explain why keeping personal details private is so important. Just don’t make it sound too much like a lecture.
Privacy settings exist for a reason, but most people don’t use them properly. It’s not enough just to set an account to private; kids need to know how to control what they share, who can see it, and what platforms might be collecting about them in the background.
3. Set screen time limits
Too much screen time doesn’t just mean your kid is staring at a phone all day – it also interferes with their sleep, focus, and mood. If they’re glued to their devices from morning to night, it will take a toll. That’s why setting some reasonable limits is a smart move. You don’t have to ban screens entirely, but creating a healthy balance can make a difference.
You don’t have to rely on sheer willpower to enforce limits – most devices have built-in parental controls that let you set screen time restrictions automatically. This way, you don’t always have to be the bad guy. The system just turns things off when the limit is reached, and there’s no argument about it.
4. Monitor their gaming habits
Some online games are harmless fun, but others can put kids in situations where they interact with total strangers. Just because a game looks innocent doesn’t mean the chat feature is safe. Some platforms allow voice and text communication with random players, which can lead to exposure to inappropriate conversations or even online predators.
Voice chat can be a bigger problem than people realize. When kids talk to strangers online, they might not even think twice about giving away small details about themselves – like their age, location, or school name. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to them about avoiding unnecessary conversations with people they don’t know.
5. Keep social media use in check
Social media can be a minefield for kids, especially since not all platforms are designed with safety in mind. Some sites allow strangers to send messages, while others collect shocking personal data.
Just because an app is popular doesn’t mean it’s kid-friendly. You need to know its platforms and whether it’s appropriate for your child’s age. Many apps have age restrictions for a reason, even if kids find ways around them.
Also, privacy settings aren’t just there for decoration; they must be properly set up. If your kid has a social media account, their profile should be locked down so that only friends can see their posts.
6. Use kid-friendly search engines
Not every Google search is safe, and kids don’t always know what to avoid. Sometimes, an innocent search can lead to inappropriate results, and once they see something, they can’t unsee it. This is why setting up search filters is essential. Google’s SafeSearch is a good start, but it’s not foolproof.
YouTube can be a problem if it’s not adequately controlled. Many parents assume that YouTube Kids is entirely safe, but even that platform has had issues with weird or inappropriate content slipping through. It’s worth checking what your child is watching and setting up restrictions.
7. Educate them about cyberbullying
Cyberbullying isn’t always obvious, and kids don’t always tell their parents when it happens. They might feel embarrassed, afraid, or even think they must handle it themselves. The problem is that online bullying can be relentless – unlike real-life bullying, there’s no escape when it follows them home through their phone or computer. Let them know that they can talk to you about it without fear or judgment if they ever feel targeted.
Cyberbullying doesn’t just mean direct harassment. It can include spreading rumors, exclusion from online groups, or even someone pretending to be them. Teach your kids what cyberbullying looks like so they can recognize it if it happens to them or their friends.
8. Keep online purchases under control
Kids don’t always understand the difference between virtual money and real money. To them, buying a new outfit for their in-game character or unlocking a unique feature might seem like nothing. Those small purchases can add up quickly – especially when games are designed to encourage spending. If you don’t keep an eye on it, you might end up with a surprise bill you didn’t see coming.
Also, app stores and online marketplaces make it way too easy for kids to spend money without realizing it. Many games and apps let them link a credit card and make purchases with just a tap. If you don’t have parental controls set up, they might not even need a password to buy something.
9. Talk about online strangers
Not everyone online is who they claim to be, and kids need to understand that. Just because someone has a friendly profile picture and says all the right things doesn’t mean they’re safe to talk to. Online predators know how to build trust, and they often start by acting like a friend. It’s crucial to talk to your kids about this before they run into a situation they’re not prepared for.
Also, grooming tactics aren’t always obvious. Some predators take their time, slowly gaining trust before making inappropriate requests. They might start with innocent conversations and gradually push boundaries.
10. Use open conversation, not fear
Fear-based parenting doesn’t always work when it comes to online safety. Scaring kids into compliance can make them secretive instead of cautious. Instead of telling them horror stories about online predators, have open, honest conversations about the risks. Kids are likelier to listen when they feel they’re being respected, not lectured.
Don’t make internet safety a one-time talk. Online threats evolve, and so should your conversations. Check-in regularly to see what apps and games they’re using, what trends they’re following, and whether they’ve encountered anything that made them uncomfortable.
Key takeaways
You’re not trying to turn the internet into a forbidden zone – you just want your kids to use it safely. Setting boundaries, using the right tools, and keeping an open dialogue make all the difference. Kids don’t always see the risks, but that’s where you come in. By teaching, guiding, and sometimes stepping in when needed, you help them build smart online habits that will protect them for years.
