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Internet Safety

Internet Safety for Kids: A Parent’s Guide

The snowy season often means new gadgets, extra free time, and more online activity for children. Whether it’s a shiny new tablet, a gaming console, or simply more hours spent on social media during cold snaps, kids are at greater risk of encountering unsafe content, scams, or online predators. Here’s how families can keep the digital season merry and secure.

If your child is getting a new device…

  • Activate parental controls: Restrict app downloads, in-app purchases, and set screen time limits before handing over a new device.
  • Enable automatic updates: Keep apps, browsers, and operating systems patched to protect against hackers.
  • Secure your home Wi-Fi: Use strong encryption and passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Discuss privacy basics: Teach children not to share personal information like addresses, phone numbers, or school details.
  • Model good behavior: Show kids how you verify websites, avoid suspicious links, and use strong passwords.

If your kid seems to be ‘chronically’ online in the winter time

  • Balance online and offline activities: Winter can be a great time for family games, outdoor fun, and creative projects.
  • Set clear boundaries: Establish daily limits and encourage breaks to reduce risks of excessive exposure. There is no “wrong” amount of time, it should be based on your family’s beliefs and circumstances.
  • Peer groups are important: Adolescents are developmentally drawn to be closer to their peer groups, so helping them find ways to connect offline can help provide more balanced screen usage
  • ANY app where they can communicate with other people can have risks: The highest risk apps are ones that allow users to hide their identity with avatars and lack verification tools - Instagram or TikTok may be obvious concerns, but game apps like Roblox also fall into this category!

By setting up devices securely, teaching safe habits, and monitoring screen time, parents can ensure their children enjoy the use of electronic devices safely. A proactive approach to internet safety helps kids build resilience and confidence—skills that last well beyond the holidays.

If you are interested in learning more about navigating digital spaces safely, check out Common Sense Media’s Parents Ultimate Guides page to get detailed information about a wide variety of digital media topics.