Home and Family     K-12    

Protecting children in a digital age



8 tips to help keep your kids safe online

Protecting children in a digital age


Keeping a watchful eye on your kids requires an increasing level of tech savvy many parents find intimidating. Not only are your kids vulnerable to bad actors online, but your family’s personal information could be at risk, as well.

Learn how to protect your children and family in this digital age with these tips:

Elementary-Age Children

  • Encourage open communication. Have conversations about what your kids see and do online and talk with them about potential dangers. Avoid lecturing in favor of an open exchange of information.
  • Make their inherent interest in privacy work in your favor. Kids in this age group, particularly toward the middle school years, understand the concept of privacy and value it immensely. Use that context to help them understand what goes online is there to stay. Talk about what kinds of information should always be kept private, including identifying details like addresses and social security numbers.
  • Stay on alert. Not all apps are completely safe (even the ones you can access from trusted stores) and not all filters are foolproof. Keep close tabs on what your kids are downloading by reading comments and reviews, and regularly monitoring what kind of content they see.

Middle School and High School Kids

  • Continue talking about privacy. You can never have too many conversations about privacy. What seems like harmless sharing on social media can be quite revealing. For example, frequent posts about visits to a favorite store or restaurant can allow a predator to begin tracking behavior patterns that make your child a target. It’s also important for kids to understand how their privacy settings work. For example, settings that allow exposure to friends of friends make their visibility to strangers much broader than they may realize.
  • Help manage their online reputation. Behaviors that once resulted in a day or two of hallway chatter can now live forever. Documenting mischief online is only fun until it spills over into real life and everyone sees those mistakes in full color – including prospective future employers.
  • Be clear about your position on bullying. From the safe distance of a screen, it’s easier for kids (and adults) to say things they’d never say in person. Teach your kids to handle problems constructively offline and avoid engaging in attacks on others through social media, email and other platforms.

College Students

  • Reinforce the risks. Once they’re on their own, kids may feel more liberated to make their own choices online. However, college students are easy prey for identity theft and worse. Remind them what’s at stake if they fail to protect their identity and private information, like where they live and what they do on a regular basis.
  • Teach smart practices. With all the independence that comes with college life, this is an ideal time for your student to take personal responsibility for his or her online security, including learning about virus protection, updating software, avoiding scams and backing up data.

If you’re looking for more practical advice for everyday family matters, visit eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy Family Features



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Nourish family connections with every bite

    Boost social, emotional and physical health with egg-inspired recipes

    Dine together, shine together. Weekly sit-down meals with family can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make everyone feel more connected – all while sharing delicious, healthy and easy-to-prepare food. read more »
  • Lasers: A safer alternative to weight-loss drugs?

    Information to help you make the decision that is right for you

    Weight-loss drugs have skyrocketed in popularity because of their quick results and use among celebrities and influencers. J.P. Morgan predicts that by 2030, 30 million Americans will use them. read more »
  • Celebrate cozy season with a creamy, comforting meal

    Super soup that is easy to make

    A snug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love. read more »
  • Simple, flavorful fall dessert

    A yummy recipe your family will love

    If your family’s taste buds have grown tired of apple-inspired fall desserts, simply look toward another quintessential autumn flavor: pumpkin. Quick and easy to prepare using a spice cake mix that provides all the flavor without the stress, this cake can be dressed to impress at a fall gathering or served after weeknight dinner. read more »
  • A go-to sweet potato side

    Treat yourself and your family to this simple dish

    Sweet potatoes seem to scream “fall,” especially this roasted version that pairs well with a wide variety of family favorites like fried chicken. It can be your go-to recipe when comfort cravings call for a savory (not sweet) side. read more »
  • Keep cold and flu season at bay

    4 top tips from experts

    It doesn’t take much for cold and flu symptoms to take over. Even a mild case of the sniffles can make navigating everyday life's demands difficult. It’s virtually impossible to avoid germs altogether, but you can ensure you’re ready to fight off an infection, whether a minor cold or a full-blown case of the flu. read more »
  • What you don't know can hurt

    3 facts about updated COVID-19 vaccines

    Four and a half years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are once again enjoying time with friends and family and doing their favorite things. However, the virus that causes COVID-19 keeps changing, so it’s still important to stay up to date on your vaccinations. read more »
  • Fall respiratory virus vaccines

    What pregnant people need to know

    Fall brings cooler days and more time indoors. This makes it easier for viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to spread. These illnesses can be especially risky for pregnant people and newborns. read more »
  • DEC’s 3rd annual Fall Foliage Photo Contests

    Show off your photography skills

    DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the return of DEC’s 3rd annual Fall Foliage Photo Contests. The two photo contests are a popular way for New Yorkers and visitors to show off the incredible array of fall foliage throughout New York State during October. read more »
  • The truth about women and heart disease

    7 steps you can take

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Although it is largely preventable, each year more than 300,000 women, or 1 in every 5, die from heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. read more »