Parent/Caregiver Guide to Online Safety

Figuring out the “right” time to introduce technology, online gaming, or social media to kids can be overwhelming. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your child’s maturity and readiness at each stage. Some experts suggest that waiting a bit longer can help kids become more responsible and handle the emotional ups and downs of being online.

How and when to introduce children and youth to devices and phones:

• At what age should my kids go online? - Common Sense Media
• Helping young kids get a healthy start with devices - Media Smarts
• Cellphones: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers - Common Sense Media

When is the right age to allow my child to have social media and gaming?:

• Help! My Kids Want to Use Social Media - Common Sense Media
• 11 Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About - Common Sense Media
• Social Media Checklist - Safer Schools Together
• Managing Video Game Playing at Home - Media Smarts

Ways to manage screen time:

• Supporting Healthy Media Experiences for Kids - Media Smarts
• Practical Tips for Easing Kids' Social Media Anxiety - Common Sense Media
• How to Help Kids Balance Phones and Screen with Sleep - Media Smarts
• Video: Ditch the Distractions: Supporting Kids and Teens with Phone Notifications - Common Sense Media

Research shows that pairing parental controls with open talks improves kids’ online safety. 

Without open conversations, children and youth are left to figure it out on their own. Conversations about safety should start as early as possible, even before they go online. By talking with your child early on, you can provide them with accurate information and discuss healthy online relationships and boundaries.

Resources:

• How to Talk to Your Teens About Online Predators
• Lego Build & Talk (created for children 6-7 years of age)
• K-2 Conversation Starters
• Grade 3-5 Conversation Starters
• Grade 6-8 Conversation Starters
• Grade 9-12 Conversation Starters

Research shows that children with household rules are less likely to engage in risky online behaviour. 

Set clear rules for technology use. Encourage youth to rethink who they’re sharing with and what’s appropriate. Consequences for breaking rules should be well-defined, however, it is important to choose the consequence appropriately.

• Family Online Rules
• Video: Screenagers Bites - Examples of Consequences | Larry Rosen PhD
• Gaming Safely
• What Are Some Basic Gaming Rules for Elementary Schoolers?

Need help creating the rules? Use these family tech planners for every age:

• Age 2-8
• Age 9-12
• Ages 13+

Most platforms offer parental controls and settings. Simply go online and search for the app’s “family centre,” and it will show you how to (set-in adjust) safety settings.

Internet providers also have controls that can support parents in monitoring their child's online activity. Some controls allow you to limit screen time, control privacy settings, and restrict certain content.

Resources: 

• Tip Sheet: Using Parental Controls
• Parental Controls for Video Games
• Social Media and Streaming Apps
• Online Gaming and Virtual Communities