Online safety is a priority for lots of people with kids, but it can be overwhelming. Increase your kids online safety by following these simple tips.
Create a family tech agreement
A family tech agreement is a simple plan that outlines your family’s rules for going online and using tech. It can include things like:
- the times of day a tablet, phone or computer is used
- what it can be used for, like homework, gaming or chatting with friends
- where in your home the device is used.
Top tip: Start a conversation with your family about online safety. Alannah & Madeline Foundation and eSafety have guides to get you started.
Privacy
Most gaming and social media apps have privacy settings. They let you control who can see the info your child shares online and who they can talk to.
Top tip: Encourage kids to talk to someone they trust if something online upsets them.
Online strangers may try to trick kids into sharing something personal. Keeping information like their address, school and photos private helps protect their data, identity and physical safety.
Top tip: Remind kids to never share their passwords or personal information with anyone online, not even friends. Let them know once an image or text is shared online you can never get it back.
Inspire kids to use a fun avatar and virtual backgrounds when online.
Top tip: An avatar is a cartoon character people use instead of a photo of themselves. This helps protect their privacy.
Parental controls
Using parental controls in online games and apps helps you protect your child from inappropriate content. You can also use them to limit the time they are on a device, protect them from online strangers and link your account to theirs so you can monitor their activities.
Top tip: Parental controls are found in the settings section of the device and apps your child uses.
Keep learning
The Good Things website has more information on keeping kids safer online.
Our thanks to our Get Online Week 2024 Principal Supporting Partner Telstra for their collaboration on these tips.