Navigating the Internet Safely

The Internet is Everywhere!

Take a look around your home. How many devices do you see that connect to the internet? Smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles—even kitchen appliances can now go online. 

The internet is woven into our daily lives, making it easier to learn, communicate, and entertain ourselves. But while technology opens doors to incredible opportunities, it also brings risks, especially for children who are just beginning to explore the digital world.

As parents and educators, we spend a lot of time teaching kids life skills—how to cross the street, say please and thank you, and treat others with kindness. Teaching them how to use the internet responsibly is just as important. It’s not just about learning how to browse websites; it’s about knowing how to navigate the digital world safely and wisely.

Why Online Safety Matters

The internet isn’t just a tool; it’s a permanent record of our digital lives. Every post, photo, comment, or like creates a digital footprint that can last for years. What we share today can impact future opportunities, from job prospects to college admissions and personal relationships.

For children, the dangers go beyond reputation. Cyberbullying, online predators, inappropriate content, and scams are very real threats. A child might accidentally share personal information, download malware, or fall for a scam without even realizing. Without proper guidance, they won’t know how to recognize or avoid these dangers.

And it’s not just kids who need to be cautious—adults also face online risks. Scammers and hackers are becoming more sophisticated, using emails, social media, and fake websites to steal personal information. 

Understanding online safety is essential for everyone in today’s digital world. So, how can we ensure that both kids and adults use the internet wisely?

Practical Tips for Families

Online safety isn’t about banning technology—it’s about using it responsibly. Here are some practical ways to help children (and yourself) stay safe online:

1. Start Conversations Early and Often

Teaching online safety isn’t a one-time discussion; it should be an ongoing conversation. Just as we remind kids to look both ways before crossing the street, we should regularly talk to them about how to be smart online.

Ask open-ended questions like:

• What’s your favourite thing to do online?

• What would you do if someone you don’t know tries to message you?

• How can we tell if a website is safe?

By keeping the conversation open, children will feel more comfortable coming to you with questions or concerns about their online experiences.

2. Set Clear Boundaries and Use Parental Controls

Establish rules about screen time, online interactions, and content access. Use parental controls on devices, browsers, and streaming services to filter out inappropriate content. 

Many smart TVs and tablets allow you to restrict certain apps or require passwords for purchases. However, technology alone isn’t enough. No filter or setting can replace the importance of parental supervision and open communication.

3. Teach Kids About Digital Footprints

Everything we do online leaves a trace. Teach children that their digital actions—what they post, share, and comment on—can be seen by others and may have long-term consequences.

A simple rule to follow: If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online.

4. Recognize and Avoid Scams

Scams are everywhere, from fake giveaways on social media to phishing emails disguised as real messages. 

Teach kids (and remind yourself!) to recognize suspicious links, avoid sharing personal information, and verify sources before clicking anything.

A good habit: Hover over a link before clicking it to see where it really leads.

5. Be a Role Model for Healthy Online Behaviour

Children learn by watching adults. If they see us constantly glued to our screens, they’ll assume it’s normal. Show them how to use technology for learning, creativity, and connection, rather than endless scrolling.

Create tech-free times, such as during meals or before bedtime, to encourage balance and meaningful offline interactions.

6. Encourage Critical Thinking

Not everything online is true. Misinformation spreads quickly, and children (and adults) must learn to question what they see. Encourage them to ask:

• Who wrote this?

• Is this information fact-checked?

• Does this source have a bias?

Teaching kids to evaluate sources critically will help them make informed decisions and avoid being misled.

Online Safety Tools Every Parent Should Know

Here are some tools that can help keep your child’s online experience safe:

• Google Family Link – Allows parents to manage their child’s device usage, set screen time limits, and approve or block app downloads.

• YouTube Kids – A safer version of YouTube that filters out inappropriate content and offers parental controls.

• Common Sense Media – A resource that provides age-appropriate reviews of movies, games, and apps.

• Net Nanny – A parental control software that blocks harmful websites and monitors online activity.

• Bark – A customizable kid’s phone with text and social media monitoring built-in.

These tools are useful, but they should complement—not replace—active parental involvement and open discussions.

Positive Ways to Use the Internet as a Family

The internet isn’t just about avoiding risks—it’s also a powerful tool for learning and connection. Here are some creative ways to use technology positively:

• Create a family email account – Store digital memories, letters to your children, or family photos that they can access when they’re older.

• Encourage digital creativity – Let kids explore online coding platforms, digital drawing apps, or video-making tools.

• Learn together – Watch educational videos, listen to podcasts, or explore interactive learning sites as a family.

• Teach responsible social media use – If your child is old enough for social media, set guidelines for safe posting, privacy settings, and respectful online behaviour.

We all have a role to play in guiding the next generation toward a safer, more informed digital future. If you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor, consider this your invitation to start or continue the conversation about digital literacy at home and in your community.

Here are a few steps you can take today:

Start a Conversation: Talk to your children or students about what they do online. Ask questions like, Where do you go when you want to find something out? and How do you know if what you read online is true?

Explore Together: Spend time learning about how the internet works. Use resources like educational videos, interactive websites, or even your favourite search engine to explore topics together.

Verify Information: Make it a habit to check the source of any online information you come across. Show your kids how to look for evidence and cross-check facts.

Practice Safe Browsing: Set up parental controls if needed, but also teach kids why these measures exist. Encourage them to think before clicking on links or sharing personal details.

Contribute Positively: Encourage responsible online behaviour. Whether it’s through sharing verified news or participating in community forums, every positive contribution helps build a better digital space.

I’d love to hear from you! How do you teach online safety in your home? What strategies have worked for your family? Send me an email or subscribe to my newsletter. Let’s work together to create a safer digital future for our kids!