Category: Online Safety for Kids

Online scams are a widespread issue for everyone who uses the internet. No matter how tech-savvy you are, if you’re not careful enough, the chances of getting scammed are pretty high. And now, with the emergence of AI, things have gotten worse.

But if it’s hard to avoid scams as an adult, imagine what children go through. According to statistics, teenagers and young adults (aged 12-29 years old) are three times more likely to become victims of online scams compared to Baby Boomers. Children, just like teenagers, are way too curious and may click on and open things that would later hurt them and their parents.

If you’re thinking “my child has shared too much online” or “I’m scared that my child can fall for an online scam”, this children’s online safety guide is for you.

Understanding the Risks for Kids Online

Children, with their boundless curiosity and innocence, are particularly vulnerable in the online world. Their eagerness to explore can lead them into risky situations, such as engaging with online predators or being exposed to inappropriate content. Parents need to understand these dangers to effectively guide their child’s online activities and online presence.

The rapid social and emotional development children undergo makes them more susceptible to the influences of the internet. Cyberbullying, for instance, is a growing concern as more kids interact online.

Children must learn to recognize suspicious messages and avoid engaging with online strangers, as this can lead to potential exploitation. Additionally, it’s essential for them to feel comfortable reporting any strange or threatening messages to a trusted adult.

Essential Rules for Safe Internet Use

Establishing clear rules for children is essential for ensuring internet safety. First and foremost, kids should never share personal information online, such as their full name, address, or school. This kind of information can be used by online predators or for phishing scams aiming to access personal accounts.

Creating strong and unique passwords for each account is another crucial step. Passwords should be lengthy, complex, and include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Two-step authentication can further enhance security by requiring a second verification method. Keeping passwords private and avoiding easily guessable ones is important.

Parental Controls and Monitoring Tools

Parents play a pivotal role in promoting internet safety by actively monitoring their child’s online activities. Native parental control software applications from major operating systems, such as Apple’s Screen Time, Google’s Family Link, and Microsoft’s Family Safety, offer comprehensive monitoring solutions. These tools allow parents to set screen time limits, monitor app usage, and block inappropriate content.

Striking a balance between monitoring and respecting a child’s privacy is important. Monitoring features can include tracking social media interactions and messaging, but this must be done with care to avoid breaching trust. Open communication about online behavior is often more effective than invasive monitoring tools.

Educating Kids on Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that requires proactive education and intervention. According to the Pew Research Center, almost half (46%) of U.S. teenagers aged 13-17 experienced cyberbullying.

Including lessons about the impacts of cyberbullying within the school curriculum emphasizes its seriousness. Children should learn about the various forms of cyberbullying, such as spreading rumors and sending hateful messages.

Recognizing red flags, such as changes in mood or social behavior, can help adults identify when a child may be experiencing cyberbullying. Key strategies include:

• Teaching kids to identify and avoid unsafe online behaviors, which is crucial for their protection.
• Encouraging open discussions about cyberbullying to help children recognize it.
• Helping children understand how to seek help when needed.

Safe Social Media Practices

Safe social media platform practices are essential for protecting children from online risks. Children should follow minimum age limits, often set at 13 for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Adults need to be actively involved in their child’s online connections, ensuring they interact with trusted people. Creating a safe environment for discussion about online safety is crucial for open communication. Adhering to these practices allows children to enjoy social media while minimizing potential dangers.

Encouraging children to be mindful of their privacy and the information they share online can further enhance their safety. This includes being cautious about oversharing personal details and understanding the long-term consequences of sharing inappropriate content.

Managing Screen Time Effectively

Balanced screen time is crucial for children’s health and mental well-being. Excessive screen use can lead to various physical and psychological issues. Engaging in outdoor activities is much better, as it can enhance mood and physical health, providing a beneficial alternative to screen time.

But when it comes to screen time for children, how much is too much? Here’s what experts recommend:

• Infants (0-2 year old): Strict limit. No screen background activities. Video calls with family and friends are allowed.

• Kids aged 5-12 years old: Clear boundaries regarding screen use. It’s recommended to prioritize sleep (not less than 9 hours) and physical activity (more than one hour).

• Teens (13 and above): Clear boundaries for using the screens. Sleeping enough (not less than 8 hours) and doing physical activity (more than one hour) is recommended.

Choosing Age-Appropriate Apps and Games

Choosing suitable apps and platforms is essential to ensure a safe and enriching digital experience for kids. Follow the age ratings that come with games and apps to choose appropriate content for children.

There are specific recommendations for different age groups to ensure the content is suitable. By selecting age-appropriate apps and games, parents can provide a safer and more enjoyable digital environment for their children.

Ensuring that the apps and games children play are suitable for their age can prevent exposure to inappropriate content and interactions with online predators. This approach enhances the overall online safety for children and helps them have a positive digital experience.

Recognizing and Avoiding Online Scams

Online scams are a prevalent threat in the digital world. Phishing involves deceptive emails or texts aimed at tricking people into divulging personal information, and that’s what children usually unwillingly fall for.

Peer-to-peer payment scams can occur when fraudsters impersonate a familiar contact to request money. Clickbait is content that entices users to visit potentially harmful websites. Teaching kids to recognize warning signs of fraud is crucial for their online safety.

Let’s Recap on Internet Safety for Kids

The digital world offers both opportunities and risks for children. By understanding the unique vulnerabilities of kids online and implementing essential rules for safe internet use, parents can create a safer digital environment.

The thing is, children know very little, if anything, about what the online space is really like. Their innocence and tendency to trust those they interact with online shouldn’t prevent them from staying safe.

It wasn’t too long ago that art actually meant something. In fact, just a decade ago, art was all about creative, inspiring, and thought-provoking visuals. Young children, in particular, can learn a lot about the world, life, and art in general when they go through these visuals.

Take, for instance, the work of Othon Friesz, a French artist. Open to viewers at a Cherry Creek art gallery, Friesz’s work provides a refreshing take on the world. The way he uses color and form invites viewers into a world of abstract beauty. Kids today could learn a lot about art and artistic values if they were to experience these artworks in person.

Sadly, artificial intelligence has infiltrated nearly every corner of online life, from social media feeds and video recommendations to AI-generated influencers and synthetic art. And for children growing up in this environment, the line between real and artificial is blurring fast.

Parents who once worried about screen time now face the challenge of protecting their kids from what some call “AI brainrot.”

What Exactly is AI Brainrot?

The recent AI boom can be traced back to 2023, when tools like ChatGPT started gaining mainstream attention. Soon enough, the AI brainrot situation began to unfold, particularly in the latter half of 2024. It initially started with AI images and soon began to spread thanks to AI videos being widely circulated on social media.

AI brainrot refers to a type of mindless content generated using AI. It can be static images or videos, often with little to no context or purpose. When you consume such content, you might even find it to be nonsensical and unfunny. But that’s the point of brainrot; it’s just there and it’s grabbing people’s attention.

Social media platforms with generative AI content tend to keep children engaged for as long as possible. This often means serving them endless AI-made short videos or memes optimized for quick dopamine hits. The result is shorter attention spans, less patience for learning, and a growing detachment from reality.

Children exposed to this kind of stimulation over time may start finding real-world activities boring. Books seem slow, conversations feel tedious, and genuine hobbies lose their spark. Their sense of creativity becomes dependent on what algorithms feed them.

Encouraging Critical Engagement with AI Content

In England, a survey was conducted on this matter involving 504 primary and early-year school teachers. The survey showed that 84 percent of the teachers agreed that children’s attention span was shorter compared to the pre-COVID period. Moreover, around 69 percent of the surveyed teachers had noticed an increase in daydreaming and inattention.

Basically, children are not able to focus as they were able to before, and the AI brainrot is just making things worse. Under such circumstances, kids must be encouraged to critically engage with the AI content they consume.

When kids use AI chatbots or image generators, parents can discuss how these tools work and what data they use to create results. Explaining that an AI-generated image isn’t drawn by a person but constructed from other sources teaches children to separate authenticity from imitation. Asking questions like “Do you think a human artist could make something like this differently?” helps them think critically.

The goal isn’t to scare them away from technology but to encourage them to think before accepting what they see.

How Does Exposing Kids to Real Art Help in This Regard?

AI can create impressive visuals, but there’s something irreplaceable about seeing real brushstrokes on a canvas or hearing a musician’s breath between notes. Exposing kids to real art is one of the most effective ways to counteract AI brainrot.

Taking them to art galleries, local theater performances, or live music events reminds them of the human hand behind creativity. Children learn that real art carries imperfections, something AI often erases. They begin to appreciate the time, effort, and emotion behind a piece of work. Moreover, as ELEMENT Home notes, curated collections in art galleries are as much about storytelling as fine art.

When they paint or play an instrument themselves, they discover joy in the process and not just the results. This kind of exposure helps children build an authentic creative identity.

Setting Thoughtful Screen Boundaries

On average, American children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend over seven hours a day using screens. Parents can create balanced routines where digital use is tied to purpose. Watching a documentary, learning coding, or exploring digital art can be constructive, while aimless scrolling or auto-play bingeing rarely is.

Setting tech-free hours, like during dinner or before bedtime, gives children a chance to reconnect with reality. A child who spends part of the day outdoors, reading, or helping in the kitchen learns patience and presence. Over time, these habits build resilience against algorithmic addiction.

How Can We Help Kids Recognize Manipulative Design?

Many digital platforms use persuasive design to keep users engaged. Infinite scroll, autoplay, and recommendation loops are all products of behavioral engineering.

For children, these design tricks can be nearly impossible to resist. Parents can help by pointing out how these features work.

Explaining that “the next video starts automatically because the app wants you to stay longer” builds awareness. Once kids start noticing these patterns, they become more resistant to manipulation.

This simple form of digital literacy can make a profound difference. Children who understand that platforms have motives learn to question why they see certain content and how it might shape their emotions.

Keeping kids safe from AI brainrot is not about fear. It’s about awareness, balance, and deliberate choices. Technology will keep evolving, and artificial intelligence will grow smarter and more persuasive. The best defense lies in raising children who can think critically, appreciate authenticity, and find meaning beyond algorithms.

The goal isn’t to protect kids from technology entirely but to help them live alongside it without losing their imagination. In a world run by algorithms, the most radical act might be teaching children to stay beautifully, stubbornly human.

The internet is part of most children’s daily lives. They use it for school, entertainment, and communicating with friends. However, many do not realise that some of the greatest dangers are only a click away.

It is easy to think that school and home are safe places, but online threats do not stop at the door. Classrooms have screens, and bedrooms often contain unsupervised devices. This leaves children open to risks when no one is watching.

Staying informed about what really happens online helps adults take better action. Children need guidance and strong habits as they grow up with technology. With the proper support, they can use the internet safely and responsibly.

Online Threats Children Face Daily

Today’s children are online more than ever. They play games, join group chats, and use learning apps long before they reach their teenage years. What seems harmless on the surface can lead to real danger.

Cyberbullying has become common, primarily through messaging features on games and social platforms. Some children face teasing, threats, or exclusion from their peer groups, which affects their mood, focus, and confidence.

Inappropriate content is also easy to stumble upon. A misspelt word or a single wrong click can open harmful videos or websites. Such experiences can leave a lasting impression, especially on young minds.

Many schools and early learning centres are working hard to reduce these risks. For example, St Nicholas early education has clear image policies that protect children’s privacy. Parents must provide written permission before any child’s photo is used, helping prevent public sharing of images that include uniforms or school branding. This is a smart step that all schools and families should consider.

Many children also talk to strangers online. It often starts with casual in-game chats and grows into longer conversations. The issue is that not every “friend” online is who they claim to be.

Children may not realise they are being targeted until it is too late. Constant reminders about safe behaviour are essential. They need clear rules about whom they can talk to and what to do if something feels wrong.

What’s Really Happening at School with Internet Use

In most schools, the internet is a regular part of learning. Children research topics, submit homework, and chat with classmates through school devices. On the surface, this seems helpful and controlled.

However, there are gaps. Some schools lack strong content filters. Others do not provide enough staff training to identify online risks, leaving teachers unsure of how to respond when something serious happens.

Even when schools have technological tools in place, students may still find ways around them. They can switch browsers, use hidden apps, or connect to mobile data if Wi-Fi blocks are set up. These shortcuts often go unnoticed during a busy school day.

Open conversations about internet use can help fill those gaps. Teachers need to set clear rules for what is allowed while giving students the opportunity to ask questions and report anything that makes them uncomfortable.

Why Home Isn’t Always Safer

Home feels comfortable, which makes it easy to assume children are safe online. Yet comfort can lead to less attention.

Many parents allow their children to use phones, tablets, or gaming consoles alone. These devices may seem harmless, but apps can change quickly, and not all include user-friendly safety settings. Some platforms offer private chats, video-sharing, or temporary messages that disappear before adults can review them.

Not knowing what children are doing online does not mean they are not at risk. Even smart and cautious kids can make poor choices or fall for something that appears harmless. They might click links without reading, join chats under peer pressure, or hide their activity if they feel unsure.

Setting clear screen-time rules, checking in often, and using parental control tools can all help. However, nothing replaces open communication. Ask your child what they are doing, who they are talking to, and what they have seen.

How Adults Can Lead the Way

Children follow the examples set by adults. When teachers and parents work together, online safety becomes part of daily life rather than a single conversation.

One of the best things adults can do is make online safety a regular topic. This means asking questions, showing interest in the apps children use, and creating space for open dialogue. Children are more likely to share problems if they do not fear punishment.

Simple habits such as keeping devices out of bedrooms at night or watching online videos together can also help. These steps build trust and reduce the likelihood that children will hide risky behaviour.

At school, educators can lead by updating their safety policies and checking in regularly with students about their digital habits. When children see that adults care, they take these rules more seriously.

Why Tech Tools Aren’t Enough on Their Own

There are many apps and systems designed to make the internet safer for children. Parents can set screen-time limits, block specific websites, and monitor usage from their phones. Schools often use similar tools on shared devices.

However, these tools are not perfect. Children often learn how to bypass filters or use alternate accounts to avoid restrictions. No app can replace the value of human guidance.

Tech tools should support, not replace, adult involvement. They help flag concerns, but adults must take action. This is why consistent supervision, regular conversations, and updated settings matter so much.

Think of these tools as backup, not a complete solution. They work best when paired with real-life rules and engagement from both home and school.

Wrap Up

Online safety is not automatic. It takes real action from parents, teachers, and students to build trust every day. When adults stay involved, children learn how to make better choices online. Staying safe starts with staying connected and staying curious.

The advent of the Internet age changed communication as we know it. Now, anyone with access to this vast network can get in touch with peers and friends anywhere in the world without barriers. Unfortunately, in this massive web, online predators also lurk.

What Are Online Predators?

According to statistics, about 97% of 3- to 18-year-olds had internet access in 2021. While there have been active steps to protect them both online and offline, individuals using the internet to exploit children have often found ways to do just that. (1)

These online predators may engage in sexual grooming behaviors, manipulate children into sharing personal information, or coerce them into sending explicit photos or videos. In some cases, they may even make plans to meet them in person, which can lead to kidnapping and sexual abuse.

Why Are Children Vulnerable?

Reports show that around one in 12 kids finds themselves caught up in child sexual exploitation and abuse online. But why exactly are they so vulnerable? (2)

They Don’t Know Better

Many children can’t fully grasp the potential dangers lurking online. It may be hard for them to know when someone’s trying to manipulate or exploit them. This is especially true if the predator is skilled at gaining their trust.

They Desire to Connect

The desire for social interaction and validation can be a slippery slope, especially for teens. A recently published study shows that about 25% of teens between 15 and 18 feel very or fairly lonely. Predators exploit this need by offering friendship, attention, or affection. Children can find this appealing. (3)

Impulsivity

Adolescents are still developing impulse control. In that case, they may act without giving 100% thought to the consequences of their behavior. They may share personal information or send inappropriate photos without fully grasping the potential risks.

Fear of Punishment

If a child has already shared sensitive information or engaged in risky behavior online, they may fear getting in trouble with their parents or authorities. This can make them reluctant to seek help. The predator banks on this and often continues exploiting them.

In case your child has come clean or you’ve found evidence of this, you may need to get in touch with attorneys well-versed in handling child sexual abuse cases. These professionals can work with you and the authorities to help hold perpetrators accountable and get you and your loved ones the justice you deserve.

Common Platforms Used by Predators

Online predators often target children on platforms where they spend a lot of time. These could be social media sites or even chat rooms in gaming sites during gameplay. These criminal acts have spilled over to popular private messaging apps, which makes it easier for internet predators to groom children away from prying eyes.

Warning Signs That a Child May Be in Contact With a Sexual Predator

Some of the red flags you may spot include:

• Secretive behavior: If a child suddenly becomes secretive about their online activities, spends excessive time on their devices, or hides their screen when others are around, there’s a possibility they’re communicating with someone they don’t want others to know about.

• Receiving gifts or money: If a child receives unexpected gifts, money, or other items from someone they met online, it could be a sign that a predator is trying to manipulate them.

• Inappropriate content: Finding explicit messages, images, or videos on a child’s device is a clear warning sign that they may be involved in an inappropriate relationship with someone online.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risks that come with the internet. However, there are steps you can take to lessen the danger:

• Have a sit-down with your child and have an honest conversation about their online activities. Let them know they can come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened by someone online.

• Teach children about the dangers of sharing personal information online. Explain to them that privacy is a currency, and why they should only accept friend requests or messages from people they know in real life.

• Keep an eye on your child’s online activity. Check their browsing history, social media accounts, and messaging apps. Having parental controls or privacy settings to block inappropriate content or track their interactions can also go a long way.

Set rules about when and how long your child can use the internet. Encourage them to use devices in common areas of the house, rather than behind closed doors, and share tips to help them stay safe online.

Closing Thoughts

Unfortunately, online predators have the capacity to turn beautiful digital spaces into a toxic place for kids. If you notice some of the tell-tale signs that a child is being targeted by a sex offender, report it to law enforcement or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children with utmost urgency. Swift and comprehensive action doesn’t just protect the child but may also be what prevents the predator from harming others in future.

Source

1. “Children’s Internet Access at Home”, Source: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cch/home-internet-access
2. “Children are sexually abused online regularly, and the problem is only growing. Here’s what experts suggest”, Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/21/health/children-online-sexual-abuse-wellness
3. “One in Four Young People in the World Feels Lonely”, Source: https://www.statista.com/chart/31243/respondents-who-feel-fairly-or-very-lonely/