How to Talk to Kids About Online Safety

key messages for each age group from K-GR 12

• PASSWORDS: don’t share with anyone other than your parent/guardian.
  Write them down and keep them in a safe place.

• NETIQUETTE: talk about how to act online. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t in-person. Remind them to always be kind!

• REAL FRIENDS vs ONLINE FRIENDS: explain the difference between the two. Set up rules and expectations that kids can’t add friends you don’t know.

• ASK PERMISSION: always ask your parent/guardian first before adding a new friend, trying a new game, downloading a new app or any purchases online or in gaming apps.

K-GRADE 2

• TELL AN ADULT: report inappropriate behaviour from friends online - this includes bullying and talking to strangers.

• ONLINE RESTRICTIONS: be sure that all apps, platforms, and games kids are using are safe for them. Take time to explore the apps and games before letting your kids use them.
  Place restrictions to protect kids from seeing violent, pornographic, and inappropriate material. Help kids with privacy settings and explain the “why” behind it.

• DISABLE ONLINE CHAT FEATURES: remove the risk of predators connecting with your child by removing or disabling any online chat features in games or apps. Remind kids not to chat with anyone online they don’t know in real life.

• SAFE SPACES: only allow kids to use devices in common spaces - no devices in bedrooms or bathrooms. Kids are less likely to post or share inappropriate content when they are in common areas. Set up a charging station and have kids plug in at night to avoid taking devices to their bedrooms.

• SEXTING: talk about the consequences of sharing nudes or explicit images online like bullying or exploitation. Remind them there are laws against sharing nudes of others without consent.
  If they need help getting a nude or explicit image removed after is has been shared visit: NeedHelpNow.ca

• DON’T KEEP SECRETS: teach kids to report any inappropriate and sexual requests to a trusted adult and reassure them they won’t get in trouble. Safe adults are there to help and support them, even if they made a mistake.

• OPEN DOOR POLICY: tell them they can talk to you about anything and you will listen without judgement. It’s important to set up digital expectations in advance.

• CYBERBULLYING: talk about it! Remind them it’s okay to tell an adult when it’s happening. They should learn how to stick up for themselves and others, as well as understand how not to be a bully.

Include all of the previous messages, PLUS:

• PAUSE BEFORE YOU POST: everything posted online has a digital footprint. Remind them to be mindful of what they post or share online and the impact it will have not only today, but in the future as well.

• POST WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND: talk about how what they post or share online can affect their reputation and their future, like being accepted to a college or getting a job.

• ONLINE vs REALITY: have open conversations about how what they see online is not always reality. What they consume online - reels, images, messaging boards, games, apps, and AI - impacts them and shapes their worldview. Check in with teens about what they are consuming online and what they think about it.

• REPORTING: encourage and empower teens to report concerning behaviour or accounts to the platform they are on. This helps keep everyone safe.