The internet can be a tremendous boon for children, affording them access to a whole universe of life-improving tools, toys, and information. But it can also be a source of considerable danger.
While the government is taking action to make sure that the online world is as safe as possible, the most effective measures are the ones taken by parents and caregivers.
So, what exactly can parents do to keep their children safe online? Let’s take a look.
Understanding the Current Online Landscape for Children
The current state of play when it comes to internet safety is far from encouraging. Through otherwise benign social media platforms and gaming communities, teenagers and children might find themselves exposed to harmful content. This might extend from abusive language to extreme images and videos.
Recent research from the communications regulator, Ofcom, has found that around three-fifths (59%) of teenagers aged 13-17 have encountered potentially harmful online content in the last month. The more often a child goes online, the greater the risk.
The Role of the Online Safety Act and Ofcom’s New Regulations
The Online Safety Act 2023 requires that social media companies and other tech firms take responsibility for the content viewed on their platforms. The law isn’t just there to protect children, but the strongest protections apply to them.
Because of this new law, from 25 July 2025, these websites will need to alter their algorithms and introduce tougher age checks to make sure that children can’t view extreme content, especially content relating to things like suicide, self-harm, and pornography.
Implementing Practical Measures at Home
Of course, it would be a mistake to assume that the internet is suddenly going to become a safe place as a result of this legislation. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that parents might take to protect their children.
To begin with, parents might set up controls to prevent teenagers from accessing harmful content via the home network. This is something that just about every internet provider makes easy. Familiarise yourself with the tools available to you.
Keeping track of screen time is also vital. Even seemingly non-harmful content can become harmful if it’s consumed in huge quantities. An hour a day might be considered a reasonable limit.
Children might also be encouraged to be honest and open about their use of computers and other devices. They might be educated on the importance of strong passwords, and be made aware of online scams – including blackmail.
Of course, the best way to compose and remember a password is through a special password manager, protected using multi-factor authentication. Through these tools, children can be sure that a single leaked password won’t compromise all of their social media accounts.
Recognising and Addressing Online Harms
Sometimes, it’s necessary to intervene after an online harm has been inflicted. But you won’t be able to do this if you aren’t able to recognise the warning signs. Make sure that your children feel comfortable coming to you when they’ve experienced something that made them feel bad.
Encouraging Healthy Digital Habits
Getting the best from the internet often means enjoying it in moderation. Agree upon healthy boundaries for device use, and try to look for schools with strict rules against phone use. Try to lead by example. Restricting the use of computers and other devices to certain times of the day can be extremely healthy, not just for children, but for parents, too!