Child & Teen Internet Safety Resources for Parents
By Christina Ortiz-King, LMHCA, ATR-P
Many parents and guardians have asked me for resources to help keep their children safe online. Today, kids are surrounded by technology. The internet gives them great chances to learn, create, and connect through things like online classes, social media, and games. But it also brings risks that parents need to take seriously. Online safety is now a key part of raising children.
A key step for parents is to research apps, games, and social media before letting their children use them. These platforms change all the time, and something that looks safe might have private messaging, in-app purchases, or location sharing. Before your child downloads a new app or joins a site, read reviews, check privacy settings, and learn how it works. There are many websites and organizations that offer guides explaining the pros and cons of popular apps.
Research also means keeping up with online trends. Problems like cyberbullying, online predators, scams, and inappropriate content are real. When parents know about these issues, they can talk openly with their children. Honest conversations build trust and make it more likely that kids will ask for help if something appears wrong.
It is just as important to know when to ask for help. Technology can be confusing, especially for parents who did not grow up with it. There is nothing wrong with contacting teachers, counselors, community groups, or other parents for advice. Many internet providers and device makers also offer parental controls and safety tools that you can adjust for your family.
If something serious happens, like cyberbullying, online harassment, or strange contact from someone you do not know, parents should report it right away. Most websites and apps have ways to report problems, and local authorities can help if the situation is more serious. Acting fast can stop things from getting worse and protect more than just your own child.
Online safety is something everyone shares. Kids need rules and support, but they also need to learn how to stay safe on their own. Teaching them about privacy, digital footprints, and good online behavior helps them make better choices. When parents do their research and ask for help, they make the internet safer for their children to explore and learn. Since the internet keeps changing, parents, teachers, and anyone working with kids should keep learning too. Just because an app is popular does not mean it is safe. Always check for yourself and choose what works best for your family.
My goal is not to make anyone feel ashamed or afraid. Talking openly and sharing resources helps keep children safe. Some discussions are tough, but they are important. If your child has gone through any of these issues, please think about contacting a mental health professional. This article includes a list of resources for any adult trying to teach internet safety. This list includes resources on apps, how to have conversations about internet safety, and general tips and guidelines.
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Internet Safety Resources for Parents
1. Be Internet Awesome (Google) – A family-friendly digital citizenship and online safety guide with tools to help kids learn good digital habits and think critically about online situations.
2. SAMHSA Online Safety Resources – A federal hub with best-practice guidance, conversation starters, activity cards, fact sheets, and tips for balancing screen time and fostering healthy online habits.
3. Know2protect - A resource through the Department of Homeland Security that is for younger kids through teens.
4. NetSmartz - A resource with powerpoints and information about internet safety for parents and educators. Includes generative AI.
5. Lego - For younger children Lego has short video clips with interactive questions and activity built in about smart gaming, being kind online, and gaming routines.
6. Connect Safely - This includes safety guides for popular apps and games including social media (instagram, tiktok, snapchat) and popular games (Roblox). This also has resources for setting up parental controls and articles on changes made for the betterment or detriment of kids for these apps and games to keep informed.
7. SOS program (FBI) - a free, educational program for children that teaches cyber safety and helps them become better digital citizens in a fun and engaging way. For third through eighth graders. Available in Spanish.
8. Boys and Girls Club of America - Tips on how to keep kids safe as well as warning signs to look out for.
9. Raising Children - Content specifically for teens. Resources for keeping teens safe and discussing more mature content such as sexual predators or online shopping safety. This is an australian website so some resources listed may not apply, but the information is helpful despite where you live.
10. ICAC - Resources available here include; This is Sextortion, Parenting Children in the Age of Screens – Pew Research Center, Role of Caregivers: Safeguarding & Enhancing Youth Resiliency Against Harmful Sexual Encounters Online - Thorn,Crimes Against Children Research Center – University of New Hampshire. They are currently in the process of gaining information on AI.