{"id":4907,"date":"2025-08-18T10:54:50","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T07:54:50","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=4907"},"modified":"2025-08-18T11:33:34","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T08:33:34","slug":"internet-safety-tips-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/internet-safety-tips-for-kids","title":{"rendered":"Internet Safety Tips for Kids &#038; Must-Have Rules for Every Parent in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The internet can be a scary place, which is why having clear internet safety tips is essential for keeping kids protected. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With every click, there\u2019s a high risk that kids can encounter malicious content, online predators, or cybersecurity attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may want to prohibit your child from going online until they\u2019re much older. But rest assured, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">there\u2019s a variety of different internet safety tips for kids to ensure online safety and keep your child secure when browsing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019re going to discuss the must-have rules for every parent when it comes to internet safety for kids in 2025.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"contents\">\n<li><a href=\"#Quick\">Quick List of Internet Safety Tips for Kids<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#InternetSafety\">Top 9 Internet Safety Rules for Parents<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#OnlineProtectionTools\">Online Protection Tools<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#KidsSocialMedia\">Kids &amp; Social Media<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#TheInternetTeens\">The Internet &amp; Teens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#InternetSafetyLaws\">Internet Safety Laws<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#TheBottomLine\">FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"Quick\">Quick List of Internet Safety Tips for Kids<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4917\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4917\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-4917\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/hacker-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/hacker-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/hacker-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/hacker-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/hacker-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/hacker-808x538.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/hacker-392x261.jpg 392w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/hacker-1232x821.jpg 1232w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/hacker.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-4917\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Kids need guidance when it comes to the internet. So check out this quick list of internet safety tips to help kids interact with the online world.<\/p>\n<h3>Hold On to Personal Info<\/h3>\n<p>Parents should protect their child\u2019s personal information, even when signing in to complete an online activity or school assignments. Using personal information can make tracking or finding people offline easy, which is especially dangerous for kids!<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review your child\u2019s privacy settings on all apps to control what information is visible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Keep the following from appearing online in a username, password, or elsewhere.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Full name (first and last)<\/li>\n<li>Birth date<\/li>\n<li>Phone number<\/li>\n<li>Social Security Number<\/li>\n<li>Home address<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Never Trust Strangers on the Internet<\/h3>\n<p>Online predators or internet predators spend time online too, and these people know how to stay hidden. Exploited children suffer from trusting strangers on the internet. Look at the <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.missingkids.org\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">National Center for Missing and Exploited Children<\/a> for further proof.<\/p>\n<h3>Create and Use Complex Passwords<\/h3>\n<p>The most common passwords in the U.S. are \u2018password\u2019 and \u2018123456\u2019. Teach kids how to create long, complex passwords to keep accounts safe and secure.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0You can also use a Password Manager to store passwords securely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Be Kind<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_44659\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-44659\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-44659\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/Side-view-of-cheerful-mixed-race-schoolboy-laughing-joyfully-while-browsing-internet-on-laptop-with-female-classmate-in-school-library.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/Side-view-of-cheerful-mixed-race-schoolboy-laughing-joyfully-while-browsing-internet-on-laptop-with-female-classmate-in-school-library.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/Side-view-of-cheerful-mixed-race-schoolboy-laughing-joyfully-while-browsing-internet-on-laptop-with-female-classmate-in-school-library-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/Side-view-of-cheerful-mixed-race-schoolboy-laughing-joyfully-while-browsing-internet-on-laptop-with-female-classmate-in-school-library-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/Side-view-of-cheerful-mixed-race-schoolboy-laughing-joyfully-while-browsing-internet-on-laptop-with-female-classmate-in-school-library-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/Side-view-of-cheerful-mixed-race-schoolboy-laughing-joyfully-while-browsing-internet-on-laptop-with-female-classmate-in-school-library-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/Side-view-of-cheerful-mixed-race-schoolboy-laughing-joyfully-while-browsing-internet-on-laptop-with-female-classmate-in-school-library-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/Side-view-of-cheerful-mixed-race-schoolboy-laughing-joyfully-while-browsing-internet-on-laptop-with-female-classmate-in-school-library-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-44659\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Comeback Images\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The internet is full of all kinds of people. Unfortunately, online bullying makes up some of the most cruel treatment of children, and it\u2019s worse than being bullied at school because the Internet is accessible 24\/7. Make sure kids understand <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/netiquette-rules\">how to behave online<\/a> and treat others with kindness.<\/p>\n<h3>Get a Parent\u2019s Permission<\/h3>\n<p>Teaching Internet safety tips to kids also includes getting a parent\u2019s permission to download or view social media accounts or meet up with an online friend in real life. Parents must know how their kids spend time online, use parental controls, and establish good rules as part of the family\u2019s Internet safety tips.<\/p>\n<h3>Speak Up!<\/h3>\n<p>Talk to a trusted adult if something doesn\u2019t feel right about a secure website or someone you\u2019ve met online. Speak up to stop online predators and protect children. If necessary, law enforcement officials can get involved to help decrease online risks.<\/p>\n<h3>Uploads and Posts Matter<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anything that kids and adults upload onto the internet stays there forever. It\u2019s crucial to ensure kids understand <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> removing the inappropriate content is impossible if they decide to upload a photo or make a rude comment in an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online gaming or online games chat room<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This applies to social media platforms, school accounts, online video sites, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Don\u2019t Respond<\/h3>\n<p>Teach children to walk away if approached online by a bully or stranger. When a child experiences bad activity or something that makes them feel uncomfortable, they must report it to an adult immediately\u2014without responding. The adult can report and block the user.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"InternetSafety\">Top 9 Internet Safety Rules for Parents<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_44497\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-44497\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-44497\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/shutterstock_267544172-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/shutterstock_267544172-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/shutterstock_267544172-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/shutterstock_267544172-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/shutterstock_267544172-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/shutterstock_267544172-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/shutterstock_267544172-1-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2023\/06\/shutterstock_267544172-1-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-44497\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">gooadluz\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s a list of cyber safety tips that you can use to further <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">help your child navigate today\u2019s digital world responsibly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Educate\">Educate Your Child On The Risks Of Internet Use<\/h3>\n<p>This point is crucial. As much as you need to educate yourself on the topic of internet safety for children, it\u2019s also just as important to teach your kids how to stay safe online.<\/p>\n<p>Be sure to discuss with them all the topics in this article\u2014online predators, cybercriminals, malware, and cyberbullying. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explain common internet safety threats like scams, malware, and phishing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Just like you\u2019d teach your child how to cross the street or to not speak to strangers, you must explain how the internet\u2014if used incorrectly\u2014can be an unsafe place.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Encourage\">Encourage Them To Talk<\/h3>\n<p>Encouraging an open discussion between yourself and your child about internet safety is extremely important.<\/p>\n<p>If your child has any concerns while using the internet, they need to know that they can come to you and explain their issues.<\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">If your child is the victim of cyberbullying, you need to let them know that they can come to you for advice and support.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"UseParentalControls\">Use Parental Controls<\/h3>\n<p>Parental controls are an awesome way to ensure your child isn\u2019t accessing malicious content or websites that you don\u2019t deem fit for them to use\u2014including social networking sites such as Facebook &amp; Twitter.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The controls are simple to use. For example, Google Chrome\u2019s built-in parental controls will enable you to type in the websites that you want to prohibit your child from visiting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">YouTube.com<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">as an<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> example. If your child tries to access this site whilst using the internet, they are stopped immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"SettingTimeLimits\">Setting Time Limits<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4904\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4904\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-4904\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Time-runing.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Time-runing.png 935w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Time-runing-150x101.png 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Time-runing-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Time-runing-768x519.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Time-runing-808x546.png 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Time-runing-392x265.png 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-4904\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>It seems that everyone is constantly using the internet. Although it can be a great tool for kids\u2014especially in terms of educational resources and entertainment\u2014it can seriously hinder your child\u2019s behaviour if used extensively.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why it\u2019s important to set time parameters that ensure your child isn\u2019t overusing their digital device. Instead, they<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0spend<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> more time interacting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0with the world, their family, and their friends.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"SettingStrongPasswords\">Setting Strong Passwords<\/h3>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">It\u2019s important for your child to know that a strong password can improve their security when using the internet.<\/p>\n<p>When they\u2019re signing up to specific websites, encourage them to create memorable yet complex passwords that will help to mitigate any risks of having their online accounts hacked.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"UseTheBest\">Use The Best Internet Security Tools<\/h3>\n<p>As discussed previously, there\u2019s a wide range of different security tools that will improve your child\u2019s safety when they use the internet.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using tools such as VPNs and antivirus software, you can be sure that your children will be protected from harmful malware and the risks posed by cybercriminals, who intend<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0to steal your child\u2019s data for malicious purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"TeachOnline\">Teach Online &#8216;Stranger Danger&#8217;<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4913\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4913\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-4913\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/cyber-security-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/cyber-security-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/cyber-security-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/cyber-security-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/cyber-security-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/cyber-security-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/cyber-security-392x261.jpg 392w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/cyber-security-1232x821.jpg 1232w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/cyber-security.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-4913\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The age-old saying &#8216;stranger danger&#8217; still applies in the internet age.<\/p>\n<p>Be sure to teach your child that it is never safe to meet up with people whom they\u2019ve met online\u2014reinforce the principle that strangers online can be and most likely are dangerous.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"OnlineScams\"><a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/instagram-scams\">Online Scams<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Many people, including children, can fall victim to seemingly innocent pop-ups and spam messages that have been developed by cybercriminals.<\/p>\n<p>These pop-ups and spam messages can be very malicious, potentially giving your child\u2019s device a computer virus.<\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">Show your child the warning signs to look out for so they know to avoid them when they appear on the internet.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"AlwaysSupervise\">Always Supervise &amp; Teach Internet Safety<\/h3>\n<p>Your child shouldn\u2019t be browsing the World Wide Web on their own\u2014especially if they\u2019re young.<\/p>\n<p>When your child wants to use the internet, be sure to sit with them while they use it. You can use this time to see what activities they get up to when using the internet, and you can act as their guide\u2014educating them on how to be safe online. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This hands-on approach reinforces digital safety habits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelYellow\">Related: <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/how-to-turn-off-internet-access-at-night\">How to Turn off Internet Access at Night?<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"OnlineProtectionTools\">Online Protection Tools<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4912\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4912\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-4912\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Cyber-danger.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Cyber-danger.png 933w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Cyber-danger-150x105.png 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Cyber-danger-300x211.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Cyber-danger-768x539.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Cyber-danger-808x567.png 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Cyber-danger-392x275.png 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-4912\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>There is a huge range of tools that you can use when looking to protect the safety of your children while they use the internet.<\/p>\n<p>Tools such as antivirus software, VPNs, and parental control apps will enable you to safeguard your children from the threats of internet use and will also give you the ability to monitor their activity online\u2014ensuring that they\u2019re using the internet sensibly.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"AntivirusSoftware\">Antivirus Software<\/h3>\n<p>You may be leaving your child\u2019s device at risk if you\u2019re not using reliable antivirus software.<\/p>\n<p>These programs are designed to block cyber criminals from attempting to hack any digital devices\u2014laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a huge range of antivirus software that comes equipped with the tools to protect your child from the threats posed by cybercriminals. Some of the major antivirus software providers to consider include:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Heimdal<\/li>\n<li>McAfee<\/li>\n<li>Norton<\/li>\n<li>Avira<\/li>\n<li>AVG<\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The majority of antivirus software platforms will provide efficient tools that will block your child from accessing malicious sites that contain malware. Heimdal\u2019s DarkGuard immediately blocks connections with known malware sources and potentially unsafe websites that could compromise your child\u2019s personal data.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"VPNs\">VPNs<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4905\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4905\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-4905\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/VPN.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/VPN.png 937w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/VPN-150x99.png 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/VPN-300x198.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/VPN-768x507.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/VPN-808x533.png 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/VPN-392x259.png 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-4905\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Okay, so what&#8217;s a VPN? In simple terms, a VPN\u2014which stands for &#8216;Virtual Private Network&#8217;\u2014is a way for you to establish a secure connection online whilst using a potentially insecure network. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VPNs are especially useful when your child connects to public Wi-Fi networks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>VPNs enable you to use the internet without the risk of cyber criminals being able to target your network\u2019s location\u2014potentially using this information to perform a cyberattack.<\/p>\n<p>Some great VPN companies that you should consider include:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>NordVPN<\/li>\n<li>Cyberghost<\/li>\n<li>PureVPN<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the previously <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mentioned, antivirus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mentioned antivirus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> software can come with awesome VPN functions built-in\u2014so you can enjoy full protection, safeguarding your computer from malware whilst protecting your child from the threats of cybercriminals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ParentalControlApps\">Parental Control Apps<\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_41795\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-41795\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41795\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2022\/12\/Banner-FMK-Statistics-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-41795\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Findmykids app<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Parental control apps are an amazing way to monitor your child\u2019s online activity. Using these platforms, you can see what websites your child has visited, the content they\u2019ve watched, or the applications they\u2019ve been using. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most web browsers allow you to set safe search filters and block harmful sites.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Using parental controls is key for any parent looking to ensure their child&#8217;s safety and <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/digital-wellbeing\">well-being in the internet age<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the best parental control apps include:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.onelink.me\/xY6s?pid=content_team&amp;c=en&amp;af_channel=blog&amp;af_adset=article&amp;af_ad=the-ultimate-guide-to-internet-safety-for-parents\">Findmykids<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/kids360.onelink.me\/ykI8?pid=content_team&amp;c=en&amp;af_channel=blog&amp;af_adset=article&amp;af_ad=the-ultimate-guide-to-internet-safety-for-parents&amp;af_sub1=cta\"\">Kids360<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Net Nanny<\/li>\n<li>Qustodio<\/li>\n<li>Google Chrome\u2019s native parental controls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Using these apps, you\u2019ll also be able to limit the amount of time your child is spending on the internet\u2014meaning they\u2019ll have more time to spend interacting with friends and family.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also be able to block specific websites before your child accesses them\u2014including gaming sites and pornographic content.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"KidsSocialMedia\">Kids &amp; Social Media<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_3063\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3063\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-3063\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/04\/mama-s-detmi-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/04\/mama-s-detmi-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/04\/mama-s-detmi-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/04\/mama-s-detmi-392x262.jpg 392w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/04\/mama-s-detmi-1232x822.jpg 1232w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/04\/mama-s-detmi-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/04\/mama-s-detmi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/04\/mama-s-detmi.jpg 1498w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3063\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Social media is, without a doubt, one of the most revolutionary technologies of the 21st century.<\/p>\n<p>Social media networks\u2014such as Facebook\u2014have billions of users worldwide. They can prove to be a great tool for enhancing social interaction, creating online communities, and promoting businesses.<\/p>\n<p>However, when it comes to children using social media\u2014especially if they\u2019re new to the technology\u2014there can be some major pitfalls that you must be aware of.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"IssuesWithSocialMedia\">Issues With Social Media<\/h3>\n<p>As discussed previously, cyberbullying is rife in this internet age. With reports of cyberbullying on the rise, you need to be aware that your child could be at risk of being psychologically abused online.<\/p>\n<p>The potential for your child to be targeted by online predators is also massively increased when they\u2019re introduced to social media. Online predators often use social media profiles to disguise themselves as children who are similar age to your child\u2014something that you must make your child aware of when they begin to use social media networks.<\/p>\n<p>Teaching your child tips to stay safe online is important\u2014this is especially the case when it comes to social media.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"AgeRestrictions\">Age Restrictions<\/h3>\n<p>You may want to determine the age at which you\u2019ll allow your child access to social media. Most social networks will not allow children under the age of 13 to create an account or to access the platform.<\/p>\n<p>You may want to wait until your child reaches a certain level of maturity before they\u2019re allowed to use social networking sites such as Facebook &amp; Twitter.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Monitor\">Monitor Your Child\u2019s Activity<\/h3>\n<p>When your child is using social media, you may want to monitor their activity\u2014check what information they\u2019re posting online, who they\u2019re talking to, what content they\u2019re engaging with, etc.<\/p>\n<p>To do this, you can use parental control apps\u2014such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.onelink.me\/xY6s?pid=content_team&amp;c=en&amp;af_channel=blog&amp;af_adset=article&amp;af_ad=the-ultimate-guide-to-internet-safety-for-parents\">Findmykids app<\/a>\u2014to see their actions on social media sites and applications.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"TheInternetTeens\">The Internet &amp; Teens<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23986\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23986\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-23986\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/07\/lost-digital-world-pretty-teenage-girls-social-media.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23986\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>When children reach a certain age\u2014namely, when they hit their teenage years\u2014they may have different interests that could conflict with the internet safety rules you\u2019d like them to follow.<\/p>\n<p>In their teenage years, children may want to become more independent. However, granting them the freedom to fully explore the internet may prove to be a challenge for you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">Teenagers may want to expose themselves to many forms of content that are deemed inappropriate\u2014violent video online, aggressive online games, 18+ (R) rated content, pornographic images, etc.<\/p>\n<p>Although granting your child the freedom to explore, you may still want to keep certain provisions in place to ensure they\u2019re not overexposed to content that you\u2019re not comfortable with them viewing.<\/p>\n<p>In this instance, you can still apply the range of tools we\u2019ve discussed previously\u2014most notably the parental control apps and functions. This will give you peace of mind to give your teenage child the privacy they desire whilst using the internet, without the fear of them accessing malicious content online.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"InternetSafetyLaws\">Internet Safety Laws<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4911\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4911\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-4911\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Computer.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Computer.png 936w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Computer-150x99.png 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Computer-300x198.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Computer-768x507.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Computer-808x533.png 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Computer-392x259.png 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-4911\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Now that technology is at almost everyone\u2019s fingertips, governments are taking cybersafety seriously to ensure that all people\u2014including children\u2014stay safe when using the World Wide Web.<\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelGreen\">Internet safety laws can differ slightly between countries, but they all aim to combat similar issues.<\/p>\n<p>Online safety laws in the United States, such as the Children&#8217;s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), are designed to protect children under the age of 13 from having their personal information exposed online.<\/p>\n<p>This law must be used by websites, especially social networks like Facebook and Instagram. These sites adhere to these laws by clearly stating that children under 13 are not allowed to register an account on the platform.<\/p>\n<p>One of the main reasons for these laws is so young children\u2014who can be left vulnerable when exploring online\u2014can\u2019t be harassed or groomed by online predators.<\/p>\n<p>The legislation is now being put in place <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/consultations\/online-harms-white-paper\/online-harms-white-paper\"\">in the UK,<\/a> which states that websites, including social networks, must carry out a statutory &#8216;duty of care&#8217; to ensure the safety of all their users whilst accessing their platform.<\/p>\n<h2>Your Child &amp; Internet Safety: The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_26259\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26259\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-26259\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/09\/Curious-surprised-cute-little-kid-girl-using-laptop-alone-at-home-smart-excited-preschool-child-learning-computer-internet-without-parental-control-at-home-children-education-tech-addiction-concept.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-26259\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many risks come with using the internet\u2014especially when you grant your child permission to use it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, there are many internet safety tips you can use (VPNs, parental controls, antivirus software) and provisions you can put in place\u2014such as time restrictions\u2014to ensure your child is staying safe online.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_PastelYellow\">To find out more about how to be an awesome parent in the digital age, check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/parenting-in-the-digital-age\">latest post on our blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"TheBottomLine\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3><strong>What are 10 internet safety tips?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Never share personal information online.<\/li>\n<li>Use strong, unique passwords (or a Password Manager).<\/li>\n<li>Keep privacy settings enabled on all accounts.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid talking to strangers in online games or on social media.<\/li>\n<li>Always get a parent\u2019s permission before downloading or meeting anyone from the internet.<\/li>\n<li>Be kind and respectful online to prevent cyberbullying.<\/li>\n<li>Think before posting\u2014uploads stay online forever.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t click on suspicious links or pop-ups.<\/li>\n<li>Use parental controls and safe web browsers.<\/li>\n<li>Speak up to a trusted adult if something feels wrong.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><strong>What are the 4 C\u2019s of Internet safety?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The 4 C\u2019s are:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li><strong>Content<\/strong>. Protect kids from harmful or age-inappropriate material.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Contact<\/strong>. Prevent unsafe communication with strangers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Conduct<\/strong>. Encourage responsible, respectful online behavior.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Commerce<\/strong>. Avoid scams, fraud, and unsafe online purchases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>What are 8 ways to stay safe online?<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Keep personal details private.<\/li>\n<li>Use strong passwords and a Password Manager.<\/li>\n<li>Review and adjust privacy settings regularly.<\/li>\n<li>Be cautious with public Wi-Fi.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid clicking on unknown links or ads.<\/li>\n<li>Play only safe, age-appropriate online games.<\/li>\n<li>Log out of accounts after use.<\/li>\n<li>Report suspicious activity to a parent or guardian immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\t\t<div class=\"wpulike wpulike-default \" ><div class=\"wp_ulike_general_class wp_ulike_is_not_liked\"><button type=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Like Button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-id=\"4907\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-nonce=\"a9b10c0896\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-type=\"likeThis\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-template=\"wpulike-default\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-display-likers=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-disable-pophover=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp_ulike_btn wp_ulike_put_image wp_likethis_4907\"><\/button><span class=\"count-box\">3<\/span>\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The internet can be a scary place, which is why having clear internet safety tips&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":4915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"classic-editor-remember":["classic-editor"],"_edit_last":["1"],"_s2mail":["yes"],"hide-in-popular":[""],"_hide-in-popular":["field_5d0c8a5b4fde2"],"_edit_lock":["1755505883:1"],"_thumbnail_id":["4915"],"lang-pt-br":["4949"],"_liked":["2"],"\u0430\u0432\u0442\u043e\u0440":["Joan Brown"],"_\u0430\u0432\u0442\u043e\u0440":["field_5e33cab3984d1"],"\u0444\u043e\u0442\u043e":[""],"_\u0444\u043e\u0442\u043e":["field_5e33cbc1984d2"],"mpulseenable_meta_value":["no"],"ytrssenabled_meta_value":["no"],"ytremove_meta_value":["yes"],"ytad1meta":["enabled"],"ytad2meta":["enabled"],"ytad3meta":["enabled"],"ytad4meta":["enabled"],"ytad5meta":["enabled"],"template_meta":["no"],"yzcategory_meta_value":["\u0414\u043e\u043c"],"yzrating_meta_value":["\u041d\u0435\u0442 (\u043d\u0435 \u0434\u043b\u044f \u0432\u0437\u0440\u043e\u0441\u043b\u044b\u0445)"],"yzrssenabled_meta_value":["yes"],"saswp_custom_schema_field":[""],"amphtml_featured_image_id":["0"],"amphtml-exclude":["0"],"amphtml-override-title":[""],"amphtml-override-content":[""],"layf_related_links":[""],"layf_exclude_from_feed":["1"],"ampforwp_custom_content_editor":[""],"ampforwp_custom_content_editor_checkbox":[null],"ampforwp-amp-on-off":["default"],"_aioseop_description":["The internet can be a dangerous place for your kids. Here's what you must know before you allow your kids to explore online."],"_aioseop_title":["Internet Safety: What Parents Must Know"],"_aioseo_title":["Internet Safety Tips for Kids &amp; Rules for Parents | Findmykids"],"_aioseo_description":["Family internet security is essential for keeping your loved ones safe online. Discover how the Findmykids app, safety tips, and internet laws can help protect your kids."],"_aioseo_keywords":[""],"_aioseo_og_title":[null],"_aioseo_og_description":[null],"_aioseo_og_article_section":[""],"_aioseo_og_article_tags":[""],"_aioseo_twitter_title":[null],"_aioseo_twitter_description":[null],"_wp_old_date":["2019-09-04","2023-07-05"],"_wp_old_slug":["the-ultimate-guide-to-internet-safety-for-parents"],"custom_title":[""],"_custom_title":["field_67cfbde67c007"],"custom_image":[""],"_custom_image":["field_67d012de223ac"],"custom_alt":[""],"_custom_alt":["field_67d012f6223ad"],"read_more":["a:3:{i:0;s:5:\"44364\";i:1;s:5:\"41807\";i:2;s:5:\"43112\";}"],"_read_more":["field_67d0130e223ae"]},"categories":[84,64],"tags":[488,533,489,529],"language":[3],"acf":{"custom_title":"","custom_image":"","custom_alt":"","read_more":[44364,41807,43112]},"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Digital-child.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Crystal Bourque","author_link":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/ru\/author\/crystal-bourque"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2019\/09\/Digital-child.jpg","reading_time":"11","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4907"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4907"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4907\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54050,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4907\/revisions\/54050"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43112"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41807"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44364"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4907"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4907"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4907"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=4907"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}