How to talk to kids about online safety

The internet offers children opportunities to learn, explore their interests and connect with friends. However, spending time online can also expose them to risks such as cyberbullying, online scams, inappropriate content and contact from strangers.

Also see: Online security: Why digital safety requires all of us

For parents and caregivers, talking to children about online safety is an important step towards helping them navigate the digital world confidently. Rather than relying only on restrictions, families can build trust, encourage open communication and teach children how to recognise potentially dangerous situations.

Here are practical ways to start the conversation and help children stay safe online.

1. Start the conversation early

Children do not need to wait until they have their own smartphones or social media accounts to learn about online safety. Introduce age-appropriate conversations when they begin using tablets, watching videos or playing online games.

Explain that the internet can be useful and entertaining, but not everything online is true, appropriate or safe. Use examples they can understand, such as not sharing their name, home address or school details with people they do not know.

Keep the conversations relaxed and ongoing rather than treating online safety as a once-off lecture.

2. Listen without judging

Children may hesitate to discuss online experiences if they fear losing access to their devices or getting into trouble. Make it clear they can approach you when something feels wrong, even if they have made a mistake.

Ask open-ended questions such as, “What do you enjoy doing online?” or “Have you ever seen something that made you uncomfortable?” Listen carefully and avoid immediately criticising their choices.

UNICEF recommends creating opportunities for children to talk openly about their online experiences and reassuring them that they can seek help when something upsets or frightens them.

Also see: 12 Things to stop oversharing online

3. Teach them to protect their personal information

Explain that personal information should not be shared casually online. This includes their full name, home address, school, telephone number, passwords and live location.

Teach children to use privacy settings, create strong passwords and think carefully before posting photographs or videos. Remind them that deleting a post does not guarantee it has disappeared, because someone may have saved or screenshotted it.

For older children, review the privacy settings on their favourite apps together and discuss who can view their profiles and contact them.

4. Discuss cyberbullying and online strangers

Explain that people online may not always be who they claim to be. Children should be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers, moving conversations to private platforms or agreeing to meet someone they know only online.

Talk about cyberbullying, too. Encourage children not to participate in hurtful comments, spread embarrassing images or share other people’s private information.

If someone threatens, harasses or pressures them online, teach them to stop responding, block the account where appropriate and report the behaviour. They should tell a trusted adult rather than trying to manage the situation alone.

5. Set boundaries and use parental controls

Agree on reasonable family rules about screen time, appropriate apps, online gaming, device-free periods and where younger children can use their devices.

Parental controls can help filter unsuitable content, manage app access and set usage limits. However, these tools should support conversations and supervision rather than replace them.

As children grow older, involve them in decisions about their online activity so they can develop independence and learn to make responsible choices.