Three Ways to Help Your Child in Setting Safe Online Boundaries

As your child navigates the digital world, guiding them in defining their online boundaries can help your child feel safer and be more confident. Without consistent guidelines, they may misuse technology or find themselves in risky situations. Here are three key tips to empower your child in creating a safer online space.

What Is A Safe Online Space?

Your child’s online space includes everything they interact with digitally, from online videos, social media, messaging platforms, games, streaming services and even the people they engage with online. Helping them shape this space with boundaries is like helping them choose safe spaces and friends in the real world. These boundaries allow your child to understand what is acceptable and what isn’t, fostering a respectful and healthy relationship with technology that aligns with your family values. Here are some examples of online boundaries:

1. Screen Use: Define when and how long your child should use devices, including acceptable recreational screen use.
2. Content Choices: Discuss what types of content are allowed and what should be avoided.
3. Platform Choices and Privacy Settings: Identify suitable social media platforms, gaming apps and other online platforms, along with appropriate privacy settings to keep your child safe online.

Three Tips for Defining Your Child’s Online Space

1. Set Clear Expectations

Have a conversation about expectations and guidelines regarding screen use and content choices. Be familiar with the screen use guidelines by MOH and encourage a healthy balance by setting limits on daily recreational screen use. Promote regular breaks from devices and consider setting tech-free zones or times at home. Outline what types of content are acceptable and what behaviours are expected online.

If you’re using parental controls, explain that their purpose is to ensure safety, not to intrude on privacy. Involve your child in the setup process, which can help them feel more in control. You may also want to follow up with a family tech agreement to solidify the conversation.

2. Discuss Online Safety

Educate your child about the importance of privacy, including the risks of sharing personal information online as well as the digital footprints they may leave behind. Guide your child in adjusting privacy settings on apps and devices to protect their personal information and discuss how keeping their accounts private and adjust who can see their posts on social media can keep them safer online. Additionally, help them recognise unsafe and inappropriate online interactions. Always remind them to be cautious of anyone asking for personal details, and to seek help if your child feels uncomfortable or unsure about what to do.

3. Keep Conversations Open and Ongoing

Fostering a safe space for open communication allows your child to feel comfortable discussing their digital experiences and interactions. Consider embedding conversations about online experiences in your family routine. You may start with asking them what they’re watching, reading, or engaging with online. This ongoing dialogue helps you guide them in real-time and address any concerns or misconceptions.

Conclusion: Use this checklist to guide your conversations with your child:

• Talk about screen use limits and explain the importance of balanced screen use
• Agree on acceptable content and what’s off-limits
• Agree on using parental controls to support safe online use
• Review privacy settings on apps and devices
• Remind your child about digital footprints and the importance of a positive digital reputation
• Explore new apps, games and platforms together as a family
• Assure your child that they can always share their online experiences with you

By guiding your child in defining their online space, you are equipping them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world confidently and safely.