Category: Online Safety

The internet offers kids endless opportunities to learn, connect, and grow, but it also comes with risks like cyberbullying, harmful content, and privacy concerns. For parents, safeguarding children online can feel overwhelming, but tools, education, and laws are paving the way for safer, healthier digital experiences.

From parental controls to global protections like GDPR and COPPA, families now have resources to address online threats and create secure spaces for kids. Here’s how you can protect your child online and ensure their well-being.

Removing Harmful Content from Google

When sensitive or harmful information about a child surfaces online, it can damage their mental health and reputation. Platforms like Google provide tools to help parents take control of their child’s online presence.

How to Remove Negative Search Results

1. Visit the Google Removal Request Tool: Access the tool to report harmful or sensitive content.

2. Submit the Details: Provide the URLs and explain why the content violates safety or privacy.

3. Follow Up: Google reviews the request and may remove content from search results, though it won’t erase it from the internet.

Proactively monitoring your child’s name online and using tools like Google Alerts or understanding how to use Google remove search result options can help you stay ahead of harmful content.

Global Online Safety Protections

Different countries are adopting unique approaches to protect children online, emphasizing privacy, security, and well-being.

Europe: GDPR and the “Right to Be Forgotten”

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides EU minors with the ability to request the removal of personal data online, aiming to reduce their digital footprint.

• Key Protections: Stronger consent for children’s data and the ability to delete underage data.

• Impact: Encourages accountability among platforms and offers parents tools to safeguard their children’s online privacy.

Australia: Social Media Ban for Under-16s

In 2024, Australia enacted a law prohibiting social media access for those under 16, requiring age verification.

• Pros: Reduces exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying, promoting healthier screen habits.

• Cons: Critics argue it infringes on expression and raises privacy concerns with age-verification requirements.

United States: Federal and State Initiatives

• COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act): Limits data collection for children under 13 and requires parental consent for many online activities.

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): Provides minors under 18 the right to erase content they regret posting.

• State-Level Efforts: States like Florida are exploring stricter moderation and data privacy laws to enhance protections for minors.

What Parents Can Do Today

Parents play a crucial role in creating a safer online environment. Here are actionable steps:

1. Monitor and Educate

• Regularly search your child’s name online to identify and address harmful content.

• Teach children about online safety, including the importance of privacy, spotting scams, and avoiding harmful interactions.

2. Use Parental Controls and Filters

• Leverage internet filtering tools to block inappropriate content.

• Utilize parental controls on devices, apps, and platforms to limit access and monitor usage.

3. Foster Digital Literacy

• Discuss responsible social media use and the risks of oversharing.

• Encourage open communication, so your child feels comfortable discussing online experiences.

Understanding the Risks: Cyberbullying and Inappropriate Content

Social media and online platforms are common grounds for cyberbullying. Used improperly they can lead to stalking, online harassment, exposure to inappropriate content, and peer pressure. To mitigate these risks:

• Set boundaries for screen time and app usage.

• Monitor interactions on platforms known for younger audiences, like gaming apps and chat forums.

The Future of Online Safety

With advancements in technology and increasing awareness, countries and tech companies are evolving their approach to online safety. While laws like Europe’s GDPR and Australia’s social media restrictions pave the way, tools like Google’s Removal Request Tool empower parents to take immediate action and remove personal content that is undesirable.

By combining education, parental controls, and ongoing monitoring, parents can create a safer online space where children can learn, grow, and connect without compromising their well-being. Protecting kids online is a team effort, and every proactive step makes a difference.

As artificial intelligence continues to improve, so does its use for creating online content. AI can certainly be of great assistance to improve efficiency and quality for us as humans.  However, in the wrong hands AI-generated content is already being employed to bring harm in deceptive ways.

If children are using the internet, they can become victims of cyber criminals and predators.  Most U.S. teens spend the majority of their waking hours in front of screens, according to Common Sense and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  It’s on parents to stay in the loop about what their kids do online. Knowing what they see, who they’re talking to, and what they’re sharing makes a big difference.

Beyond that, there’s no tech tool better than a good conversation. Experts at Mindful Browsing suggest, parents should block inappropriate websites to safeguard their kids from explicit content that is improper for their age.

AI is here to stay, and the jury is still “in” about how it will be controlled by companies and policy makers.  When handled properly, AI can help personalize learning tools for educators.  It can also help create interactive educational programs.

The AI Threat Landscape

Before we can explore resourceful safeguards that parents can put into effect to protect kids online, let’s first let’s review the threats.

1. Deepfake Videos

Deepfake technology, which uses AI to create hyper-realistic video content, has started targeting young audiences. With little experience, malicious creators can quickly produce videos featuring beloved cartoon characters or influencers in inappropriate or misleading scenarios. For example, a deepfake video might show a trusted character promoting harmful behaviors or ideas, leaving children confused and vulnerable.

2. AI-Generated Chatbots

AI chatbots are increasingly mimicking the tone and style of children or trusted adults in online platforms. These bots can engage children in conversations that may seem innocent at first but can lead to unsafe interactions, such as revealing personal information or being directed to harmful websites. Unlike older scams, these interactions are harder to detect because of the sophistication of the AI.

3. Hyper-Targeted Advertising

AI algorithms now use vast amounts of data to craft ads tailored specifically to individual users. For children, this can result in the promotion of age-inappropriate content, manipulative messages, or even products disguised as games or videos. This form of targeted advertising is especially concerning as children often lack the skills to distinguish between genuine content and sponsored material.

Steps Parents and Educators Can Take

1. Teach Kids Media Literacy

Helping children recognize manipulative or harmful content is critical to ensuring children are prepared.  This is basic critical thinking 101, which applies to anything they may see, read, or hear.

Parents can teach their kids to:

• Question the authenticity of videos and images.
• Spot inconsistencies in chat interactions, including texts and social media messages.
• Understand the concept of sponsored content and its purpose.
• Be aware that even a caller may be an AI generated voice.

2. Protect Devices and Personal Info

Make sure devices are up to date. Software updates often include security patches that protect against hackers. Antivirus software is another must-have.

Cameras and webcams should stay covered when not in use. Hackers can access them, and that’s an easy way to increase safety.

Set privacy settings on social media to make accounts private. Limit who can see posts or send friend requests. These steps might seem small, but they’re huge for keeping your child’s info safe.  Make sure your family uses strong passwords—a mix of numbers, symbols, and letters. Consider two-step verification for an added layer of safety.

3. Use AI-Enhanced Parental Controls

Modern parental control apps, such as Qustodio now incorporate AI-driven features to flag harmful or suspicious content. Parents should explore these tools to monitor their children’s online activity and receive alerts about potentially dangerous interactions.

Solutions for Educators and Policymakers

1. Advocate for Improved AI Regulation

Governments and advocacy groups must push for stronger regulations to govern the use of AI in creating and distributing online content. Policies should require platforms to invest in AI detection tools capable of identifying deepfakes and harmful AI-generated material.

2. Develop Educational Programs

Schools can include digital literacy courses that specifically address the risks of AI-generated content. This would empower children to navigate the internet safely and critically.

Teach kids the basics of cybersecurity.  A good way to educate yourself is to take our three-part series on scams.   You can begin here.

3. Hold Platforms Accountable

Parents and educators alike can pressure tech companies to must take greater responsibility for the content on their platforms. Some are already using AI to fight the bad actors who are using AI for deviant purposes.  This does not mean companies should not also invest in human moderation teams and work transparently with experts to address emerging risks.

As fast as the years come and go, Internet technologies change, bringing new challenges for parents and educators when striving to keep kids safe online. Here are a few of the latest tips for online safety including on sites like YouTube*, as well as privacy settings for other websites and apps.

*These tips are not an endorsement of YouTube as being highly safe for kids or teens. For strict filtering of videos, use our Safe Video Search Tool at the top of this website. Read about possible developmental dangers of YouTube.

5 Tips to Make YouTube Safer

1. Set up a Family Account. By creating a shared Google account, parents can see what videos are viewed and shared with friends. To do this, go to Google on your browser and sign in with a new Google email address and password. You can also use your existing Google account on the computer and browser that kids use.

2. Turn on Restricted Mode. This feature will help filter out the worst videos, making YouTube a little safer than normal. To activate, scroll down to the bottom of your YouTube account settings page and turn Restricted Mode ON. This has to be done on any browser that is being used and you always have to be logged in for it to work.

3. Subscribe to Safe Channels. The more you subscribe to favorite ‘kid-friendly’ YouTube channels, the more positive videos will come up for viewing. Kids can also click through to their favorite safe channels and watch more safe videos related to their interests.

4. Monitor and Disable Comments. When uploading videos, you can keep bad comments from showing up on your video. In the video upload screen (or the video editing screen after uploading is complete) you can disable comments altogether or keep them unpublished until you are able to review them. 

5. Upload Privately. If you want to upload videos of your kids, or they want to upload videos of themselves, mark the video as Private or Unlisted. Private videos are only shared with friends your kids choose to share them with. Unlisted means that only those who are sent the specific link can view it.

Read more about Parental Controls for YouTube

5 Tips to Protect Your Online Privacy

2. Make sure all sites visited are secure. Simply look for the “S” in https://. Unsecured sites will not contain the “s”, which stands for secure. Unsecured websites will start with http://.

2. Make your passwords more complicated by using a combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers and symbols.

3. Always use privacy settings and ‘opt out’ buttons within your online accounts, including but not limited to, your social media accounts. This key component of internet safety limits how much information is being shared.

4. Turn off GSP settings on apps to limit the tracking of your location. With the exception of maps and Google search for the purposes of finding local events and businesses, there is really no reason for apps or websites to know where you are located.

5. Click Carefully. Watch out for links or downloads sent to you in emails, as well as online questionnaires and giveaways. These links may infect your computer or expose kids to unwanted content.

Explore Social Media Cyber Risks and Privacy Issues.

How to Ensure Internet Safety for Kids

Almost everyone owns an electronic gadget, and the internet has become part of our daily life. While the internet furnishes us with a wealth of information and convenience, it can be a liability, especially to children. Some reports say that approximately 36% of kids age 12 – 17 have experienced cyberbullying online!

Because of these startling stats, it’s never been more important for every parent to ensure internet safety for kids. Fortunately, there are different ways of safeguard your child’s internet safety.

Below are tips on how to protect your child on the internet, including a helpful info graphic.

1. Train Them About Online Threats

Teach your children on the many online perils. For instance, let them know why it’s risky to converse with strangers online. Educate them on the sites which contain inappropriate information and let them know why they shouldn’t share personal information online. If your child doesn’t require a phone, speak to them about getting rid of their gadgets. Besides, there are many places you can sell your iPhone.

2. Know How to Use a Computer

While this might seem odd, it works for most parents. It’s surprising how much children know about the family computer than even their parents. The first step to ensuring internet safety for kids is by becoming computer literate.

This way, you can monitor what your kid does online and block specific sites containing inappropriate information with ease. More so, you can access our child’s internet history to ensure that they aren’t surfing in the wrong places. You can do all this when you know how to use a computer.

3. Acquire Monitoring Software

Parents should use a parental control app to keep an eye on their child’s access to the internet, and you can achieve this with the use of apps for parental controls. You can even install it discreetly without their knowledge. With such software, you can track all their movements online, including messages, chats as well as websites visited.

Spear phishing is highly targeted and tailored to specific individuals or organizations. Attackers conduct extensive research to personalize their approach, making these attacks more convincing than mass phishing attempts.

The usual phishing that has been common for years are messages sent out randomly to millions of emails. The hope is to catch someone who bites the bait on a scammer’s hook. The message may seem personal, but these messages are designed to cast a wide net.

How Spear Phishing is Different

Spear phishers don’t rely on random emails. They often use information from your social media or breached data that contains information about you personally to make their messages appear more legitimate.

Breached data is often stolen from legitimate accounts you may hold and sold on the dark web to cybercriminals. They craft realistic and trustworthy messages that are more likely to deceive their targets. When a scam is personalized, it can be come a powerful method for psychological manipulation.

Spear Phishing Red Flags to Look For

We live busy lives. As humans, we are multitaskers, and some of us want to get things done as quickly as possible. But even in a relaxed frame of mind, we may respond quickly to shocking or appealing content that appeals to our emotions. However, when interacting online, we need to stay vigilant.

It’s ok to be an internet skeptic, especially when we know there are unscrupulous people on the internet who wish to scam us. Here are some red flags to watch for when receiving emails.

Look for unfamiliar or alternate email addresses:

There may be misspelled names or domain names that are easy to detect if you are looking closely.

For example, your friend John Doe may have an email like [email protected]. But when you look closely the domain may have been altered to be [email protected]. Or the misspelling may be in the personal name:   i.e.  [email protected].  These misspellings are easy to miss.

Urgent Requests:

Be wary of messages that stress the need for immediate action. Spear phishers often create a sense of urgency to pressure targets into acting quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the request. This may include an urgent demand to transfer money or provide login credentials in an email or an account.

Unexpected Attachments or Links:

If you were not expecting an email from a social media account, company, or a friend, do not open attachments.  And do not click on links until verifying with the sender directly.

Unusual Tone or Language:

If the message seems highly out of character for the person it’s supposed to be from, this is a warning sign that something is off.

Don’t Get Hooked by Spear Phishing

Never respond to a suspicious email to ask for more information before taking any action. Instead, verify the request using a separate and trusted communication method, such as calling the person on the phone or emailing an alternate email they may have.

When doing anything that is connected to the internet—whether surfing the web, interacting with texts, or checking your email—always remember to slow down and review the details.

Remain skeptical and aware that cybercriminals are always at work devising new methods to steal information or money from their victims.

Sadly, spear phishing attacks are another way cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated.