Teaching your child about online safety has become just as important as teaching them how to cross the street. As one in three internet users globally are children, it’s expected for kids to live and grow using online tools.

The internet is filled with wonderful things—but funny memes and online games aren’t everything they’ll come across. Children need guidance on how to navigate their lives online safely.

So, how do you start this essential conversation? Let’s dive in.

Why it’s important to talk to kids about online safety

Kids are spending more time online than ever before—whether it's for school, chatting with friends, or gaming. With so much screen time, they are exposed to potential risks like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.

Having regular conversations about online safety can help them navigate the digital world with more confidence and security. Using that time to show them how to spot dangers online and take the necessary precautions may make a huge difference in their lives.

Starting the conversation—How to explain internet safety to a child

The key to starting this conversation is to keep it calm, cool, and casual. You don’t want your child to feel like they're in trouble or about to get a lecture. Instead, create a non-judgmental environment where they feel safe asking questions and sharing their thoughts.

Here’s how you can break it down:

• Use easy-to-understand language. Avoid complicated jargon. Keep it simple, so your child can grasp the message.
• Discuss real-life scenarios. “What would you do if someone you don’t know asks for your picture online?” Give them situations they can relate to.
• Show genuine interest. Ask them about their favorite websites and apps, and find out why they like them.
• Be open about your own habits. Sharing your online experiences can make it easier for them to open up.
• Brainstorm online safety rules together. Let them help come up with ideas for staying safe online. It empowers them and reinforces the importance of these rules.
• Watch videos or play games about online safety. This can make learning fun and engaging.

Remember, it’s not about instilling fear but fostering awareness. It's a conversation, not a lecture. Participating can help them retain the information better.

5 fun and interactive ways to teach online safety to children

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to make learning about online safety enjoyable for the kids. Here are five creative activities to engage your children:

1. Technology tour

Take a tech tour through your child’s favorite apps and websites. Ask them to show you around, explain why they like each platform, and together explore the privacy settings to make sure everything is secure.

2. Build a board game

Design a board game where players move forward by answering online safety questions correctly. For example, “What would you do if someone asks for your password?” Answer right, move ahead. Land on a “safe choice” square? Give me three good online habits under 30 seconds.

3. Safety story time

Pick out age-appropriate books or websites that address online safety. Read together and discuss the key takeaways. This is a great way to open up conversations about internet dangers without being too overwhelming.

4. I Spy: Online safety edition

While browsing online together, play “I Spy” with a twist! For instance, say, “I spy a strong password,” and then find a great example of one. This game helps children identify key online safety elements while having fun.

5. Create comics

If your kid has the artistic flair, get creative by drawing comics or making memes that highlight online safety. For example, a comic about a superhero protecting their password from the evil “Phisher” can be both educational and amusing.

Key topics to discuss by age

Different ages require different levels of discussion. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Chatting with children 12 and under

• Stranger danger online: Explain why they shouldn’t talk to people they don’t know and let them know they can always come to you if it happens.
• Keeping passwords safe: Discuss why passwords should be kept private and how to create strong ones.
• Cyberbullying: Teach them how to spot and report bullying.

Talking to teens

• Social media privacy settings: Ensure they know how to adjust their privacy settings and understand the consequences of oversharing.
• What you post online: Remind them that what goes online, stays online.
• Recognizing online scams: Especially with the rise of deepfakes and AI, teens need to learn how to spot phishing attempts and other scams.

Start talking about online safety today

The earlier you start these conversations, the better equipped your child will be to handle online dangers. Empower them with knowledge, arm them with a strong cybersecurity software, and make online safety part of their daily routine.

FAQs about talking internet safety with your kids

What age should I start talking to my child about online safety?

It’s never too early to start. Begin introducing simple concepts like privacy and safety as soon as they begin using digital devices.

How often should I have conversations about cyber safety for kids?

It’s best to make it an ongoing conversation. Just like teaching good manners, online safety should be reinforced regularly.

What is an easy way to help protect children online?

Use parental controls, monitor their activity, and teach them about privacy settings. Avast Family Protection can help you stay one step ahead.

What are parental controls and are they helpful?

Parental controls allow you to monitor and restrict what your child can access online. They can be very helpful for setting boundaries and protecting younger children from harmful content.