Parents play a key role in helping their child become a confident, respectful, and safe digital citizen. Technology offers many opportunities for learning and fun, but it’s important to guide your child in using it responsibly.

As children and young people spend more time online, they can encounter challenges such as exposure to inappropriate or harmful content, online bullying or exclusion, and unwanted contact from strangers. Social media can also create pressure to compare themselves with others, affecting their confidence and wellbeing. Excessive screen time, gaming addiction, privacy breaches, and the sharing of personal information or images can further increase risks.

Supporting your child to develop healthy online habits, use privacy settings, and talk openly about what they experience online helps them build resilience and confidence. When parents stay engaged and informed, they can empower their children to use technology in ways that are positive, balanced, and safe.

Key Tips on E-Safety

Work together with the school

Schools teach digital citizenship and online safety, but learning continues at home. Stay informed about what platforms and apps your child uses, and talk with teachers about how to reinforce safety messages consistently between school and home.

Education around cyber safety

Help your child learn how to:

• Protect personal information — never share passwords, full names, or locations publicly.
• Think before posting — remind them that what goes online stays online.
• Be kind online — treat others with the same respect they show in person.
• Tell an adult if something online makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Explain internet law and responsibility

Teach your child that:

• Sharing or downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal.
• Cyberbullying and harassment online have real-world consequences.
• Posting photos or messages that hurt others can affect their future opportunities.
• Respecting others’ privacy online is just as important as respecting it in person.

Set screen time guidelines

Establish healthy screen habits:

• Create tech-free zones such as during meals or before bedtime.
• Balance online and offline activities like sports, reading, and outdoor play.
• Use device settings or family apps to monitor use if appropriate.
• Be a role model and show balanced, mindful tech use.

Discuss gaming, gambling, and young people

Games can be fun and social, but they can also introduce risks.

• Check age ratings and in-app purchase options.
• Talk about the difference between gaming and gambling, as many games mimic gambling behaviours like loot boxes.
• Encourage games that build creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Remind your child never to share personal information with strangers online.

Resources