As kids head back to school, their online world ramps up too. From school platforms and messaging apps to gaming and social media, screen time increases fast and so do online risks. The good news? Staying safer online doesn’t require constant monitoring or complicated rules. A few simple habits, combined with the right protection, can make a real difference for families.

For Parents: Setup & Supervision

A strong foundation starts with the right settings at home. These steps help protect kids while still allowing them to learn, connect, and explore online.
 

Use Parental Controls 

• Set up parental controls on devices and apps to filter inappropriate content, manage screen time, and control app downloads. These tools are most effective when reviewed regularly as kids grow and their online needs change.
   

Choose Smart Device Placement 

• Keep internet-connected devices in shared family areas rather than bedrooms. This encourages healthy habits and makes supervision easier without feeling intrusive.
   

Enable Automatic Updates 

• Turn on automatic updates for operating systems and apps to ensure security patches are applied as soon as they’re available. Updates often fix vulnerabilities that cybercriminals try to exploit.
   

Check Privacy Settings Often 

• Review privacy settings on apps, games, and social platforms. Many default settings allow more sharing than parents realise, so it’s worth checking who can see posts, contact your child, or access personal information.

For Kids: Smart Online Habits 

Helping kids understand why online safety matters empowers them to make better choices on their own.
 

Protect Personal Information 

• Never share your address, phone number, school name, or passwords online, even with people who seem friendly.
   

Use Strong Passwords 

• Create unique, complex passwords for different accounts and keep them private. Passwords should never be shared with friends.
   

Think Before Posting 

• Photos, comments, and videos can last forever online. Avoid posting images that reveal personal details like street signs, school logos, or license plates.
   

Be Careful With Strangers 

• Only accept friend requests or follows from people you know in real life. Not everyone online is who they say they are.
   

Speak Up if Something Feels Wrong 

• If something online makes you uncomfortable, upsetting, or confused, tell a trusted adult straight away.

Key Conversations to Have

Technology changes quickly, but open communication is still one of the most powerful safety tools.
 

Cyberbullying 

• Talk about what cyberbullying looks like, how to block or report mean messages, and why it’s okay not to respond.
   

Online Predators 

• Explain the risks of communicating with strangers online and why meeting someone from the internet in real life is never safe.
   

Phishing & Scams 

• Help kids learn how to spot fake emails, texts, pop-ups, and ads designed to trick them into clicking links or sharing information.
   

Digital Footprint 

• Discuss how online posts can last a long time and why it’s important to think about how content might affect them in the future.

Back to school is a fresh start, and the right habits can help families stay safer and more confident online.