Parenting Tips to Help Their Child’s Online Presence

Keeping children safe online starts with open communication. Talk to your child regularly about how they use the internet and social media — be supportive and create an environment where they feel comfortable coming to you with problems. Stay current with the latest ways kids are communicating, and make a point of knowing what your child is doing when they hang out with friends, both on and offline.

It's also worth knowing that many kids encounter sexual content on the web by accident. Being prepared to have calm, honest conversations about what they may see — including the risks of using technology to experiment sexually — goes a long way. Approach these topics with understanding and without judgment.

Setting Ground Rules

Before your child gets online, put some practical safeguards in place:

• Agree on clear rules or guidelines for using electronic devices
• Set a strong password on your child's device and activate security features before they use it
• Turn off the geotagging feature so photos or posts don't reveal their location
• Cover the camera when it's not in use to prevent unauthorized recording
• Keep the computer in a common area like the kitchen
• Find out what tools your internet service provider offers to help manage online activity

Teaching Digital Responsibility

Help your child understand that their online actions have real-world consequences. Potential employers or post-secondary schools may search their online profile, so remind them to think before they text or post. Teach them to:

• Never share personal information with strangers online
• Ignore messages from people they don't recognize
• Never meet in person someone they've only spoken to online or via text
• Ask permission before taking pictures or videos of others — and expect the same in return
• Avoid sharing photos or videos without your approval

Talk to other parents about what online privileges and strategies work for their families — you don't have to figure it all out alone.

Safe Social Networking

When your child wants to join a social network, take an active role in getting them started safely:

• Check that the platform is trustworthy and age-appropriate
• Review the terms of service and privacy policy — avoid sites that share data with third parties
• Help set up their profile, leaving out personal details like their full name, birthday, address, phone number, or social insurance number
• Create a strong password and apply the highest, most restrictive privacy settings available
• Check privacy settings regularly, as software updates can sometimes reset them
• Remind your child to be respectful — they shouldn't post anything hurtful or harmful
• Regularly monitor their page for anything inappropriate

Dealing with Cyberbullying

If cyberbullying becomes an issue, how you respond matters. Encourage your child not to engage or retaliate. Beyond that:

• Save any messages, photos, or evidence if your child is a victim
• Contact police if your child is being threatened, harassed, or sent illegal content — include usernames and any identifying information you can gather
• Block the person's phone number, email, or username
• Notify your child's school so they're aware of the situation

If you believe your child is being blackmailed or extorted online, contact local law enforcement right away.