7 Steps to Protect Your Children Online

June 2nd, 2022

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Do you know what your children are viewing online? Your child could be the one in five youth between the ages of nine and 17 who will view unwanted sexual material online. Even more alarming — research shows that one in nine teens will receive unwanted online solicitations, according to the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Summer is here and kids will be spending more time on their devices. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children spend an average of seven hours a day on “entertainment media,” such as televisions, computers, phones and other electronic devices. In addition, they are exposed to messages from influencers, advertisements in video games, and even virtual reality encounters with strangers.

We want to equip you with information on how you can be a good digital parent! These simple steps from the Family Online Safety Institute will help you be proactive when it comes to your child’s digital safety:

1. Talk With Your Kids

- Talk early and often

- Search online for anything you don’t understand

- Try out the apps, games, and sites yourself

2. Use Parental Controls

- Routinely check privacy settings on social media

- Set content and time limits on your kids’ devices

3. Set Ground Rules and Enforce Consequences

- Discuss and sign a family safety agreement

- Restrict where and when devices can be used

- Remove tech privileges when rules are broken

4. Friend and Follow But Don’t Stalk