Ideogram.com It is amazing to see children of relatives and friends as young as toddlers able to operate a smartphone or tablet. In to
It is amazing to see children of relatives and friends as young as toddlers able to operate a smartphone or tablet. In today’s digital world, our children are growing up in spaces where connection happens at the tap of a screen. Even still, at the end of the day, social media applications are a private business. Expect them to do what works for them until lawmakers and a groundswell of citizens call them out.
As for the children, those young ones are the business of safe adults. Safe adults must continue to do what we have to do to keep kids safe.
Whether it’s gaming, social media, or live streaming, online chatrooms have become a major part of how kids interact with friends—and, unfortunately, with people who are not safe around children.
Remember, most children are harmed by someone that they are familiar with. “Familiar” may include someone they have a parasocial relationship with online.
Recently, a viral video sparked concerns about the safety of young people in these spaces. While the internet offers incredible opportunities for learning and fun, it can also expose children to risks like:
- inappropriate interactions,
- exploitation,
- and manipulation.
As parents and caregivers, we have the power to protect, educate, and empower our children to navigate the online world safely.
1. Teach Kids to Trust Their Instincts
Children should know that if something feels off, confusing, or uncomfortable in an online chat, they should trust their gut and exit the conversation. Encourage them to tell a trusted adult if they experience anything that makes them uneasy.
2. Set Clear Boundaries for Online Interactions
Have open conversations with your child about what is and isn’t appropriate online. Some key boundaries to establish:
✅ Never share personal information (real name, location, school, phone number).
✅ Avoid private chats with strangers, especially one-on-one video calls.
✅ Never feel pressured to do something just because an online figure, influencer, or peer asks.
✅Truth is not “hate”. Children are allowed to tell the truth about what they see and hear. AND how someone makes them feel (nervous, scared, ‘icky’, weird, )
3. Use Parental Controls & Safety Features
Most chat platforms and gaming systems offer privacy settings, content filters, and parental controls to help limit who can contact your child. Set these up together so they understand how to use them.
4. Role-Play Scenarios Together
Children often don’t recognize manipulation right away. Practice different scenarios with them:
🔹 “What would you do if someone asked you to keep a conversation secret?”
🔹 “How would you respond if someone said they could help you become famous or successful?”
🔹 “What if someone makes you feel guilty for not responding to their messages?”
These role-plays prepare kids to recognize red flags and respond with confidence.
5. Be a Safe Space for Open Conversations
The most powerful tool we have as parents isn’t just monitoring—it’s listening without judgment. If your child confides in you about a concerning online experience, let them know:
❤️ They are not in trouble.
❤️ You believe them.
❤️ You will support them and keep them safe.
6. Stay Informed & Stay Engaged
The digital landscape is always changing, and so are the risks. Keep learning about new apps, chatroom trends, and online safety tips. Encourage your child to share their favorite platforms with you—engage with them in their world so you can guide them with wisdom and care.
Centering Safety & Empowerment
Our children deserve freedom, fun, and connection—but also protection, boundaries, and guidance. By building trust, teaching awareness, and creating open lines of communication, we can empower them to navigate online spaces safely while still enjoying the digital world.
If you ever need support, there are incredible resources available to help parents and caregivers. Let’s continue to stand together to protect and uplift our children. 💜
Online Child Safety: Resources
Teaching Children the Do’s and Dont’s of Consent
#OnlineSafety #ProtectOurKids #DigitalParenting
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