How to keep kids safe online

Please note: this guide is general information for parents, not medical, psychological or other professional advice, and it can’t take your child’s individual situation into account. If you’re worried about your child’s health, wellbeing or safety, speak to their school or a qualified professional such as your family doctor. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number.

The most powerful online safety tool isn’t a setting — it’s a child who knows they can tell you anything without getting into trouble. Combine that with a few clear rules, sensible settings and regular conversations that grow with your child, and you’ve covered most of what matters.

The five rules that matter most

1. Keep personal information private: full name, address, school, phone number, passwords, photos that show where you live.
2. Only connect with people you know in real life. People online aren’t always who they say they are.
3. Never meet someone from online without a parent.
4. Think before you post: would you be OK with a teacher or grandparent seeing it?
5. Tell a trusted adult if anything makes you feel uncomfortable, scared or confused — you won’t be in trouble.

How to talk about it by age

Ages 6–9

Keep it simple and concrete: “Some things online aren’t meant for children. If you see something that feels wrong, turn the screen over and come and get me.” Use devices in shared rooms.

Ages 10–12

Talk about privacy, strangers, kindness and how apps and games try to keep you playing. Practise what to do in tricky situations: “What would you do if someone you don’t know messaged you?”

Teens

Discuss reputation, consent around sharing images, scams, pressure and misinformation. Treat them as partners: ask what they already know and what worries them.

Make it easy to tell you

• React calmly when they tell you something — your reaction decides whether they tell you next time.
• Avoid automatically taking devices away for reporting a problem.
• Ask regularly and casually: “Seen anything weird online lately?”

Settings worth checking

• Age-appropriate parental controls on devices and home Wi-Fi.
• Private accounts and restricted contact settings.
• Location sharing off in apps and posts.
• Approval needed for downloads and purchases.

See how to set up parental controls.

Know the warning signs

• Becoming secretive or upset after being online.
• New contacts or gifts you don’t know about.
• Withdrawing from friends and family.

If you’re worried someone is trying to harm or exploit your child, contact the police. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. Many countries also have official online-safety reporting services.

When something goes wrong

See our guides on cyberbullying and what to do if your child sees something inappropriate.

Safety includes AI apps too: keep personal details out, and set the app up to teach rather than answer. See the AI Tutor Vault.

Frequently asked questions

Next steps

This week, have a five-minute chat about the five rules, check the settings on the devices your child uses, and tell them clearly: “You’ll never be in trouble for telling me.”