For Parents

1. Create Strong, Unique Passwords:
   Use different passwords for every site and update them regularly.

2. Talk Openly About Online Safety:
   Have regular conversations with your child about their online experiences and friends.

3. Set Clear Family Rules & Use Parental Controls:
   Establish household tech rules, use parental controls, and check privacy settings on all devices.

4. Remind Kids Never to Meet Online Friends in Person:
   Stress that online friends must stay online unless approved and supervised by you.

5. Keep Devices in Shared Spaces:
   Place computers and tablets in common areas to better supervise and encourage open dialogue.

6. Teach Children Not to Share Personal Information:
   Remind them not to share their full name, school, address, birthdate, or passwords online.

7. Be Smart With Downloads and Links:
   Only download apps or files from trusted sources and never click suspicious links or pop-ups.

8. Turn Off Geotagging on Photos:
   Disable location data on social media photos to protect your family’s privacy.

9. Back Up Data and Monitor Accounts:
   Regularly back up important data and monitor your credit card and bank statements for irregularities.

10. Know What to Do in an Emergency:
    If your child is a victim of cyberbullying, scams, or other online threats, act quickly, support them, save evidence, and contact authorities if needed.

1. “What is your favorite thing to do online?”
   This opens the door for your child to share positive experiences and helps you learn about the platforms and games they like.

2. “Have you ever seen something online that made you feel uncomfortable or upset?”
   This question lets your child know they can come to you with any problems, no matter how big or small.

3. “Do you know what to do if someone you don’t know tries to contact you online?”
   Reinforces safety and helps practice good decision-making.

4. “Can you show me how your favorite app or game works?”
   Demonstrates interest and encourages your child to share their online world with you.

5. “What kinds of information are okay (and NOT okay) to share on the internet?”
   Allows you to guide them on privacy and oversharing.

6. “Do you know how to report or block someone on the apps you use?”
   Makes sure your child knows how to take action if something goes wrong.

7. “Have any of your friends ever had something scary or weird happen to them online?”
   Opens discussion about real-life situations and how to respond.

8. “What do you do if you see cyberbullying? How can we help?”
   Empowers your child to be an upstander and talk to you when they see bullying.

9. “What would you do if someone asked to meet you in person after talking online?”
   Reinforces the rule of never meeting online-only friends in person without parent permission.

10. “How do you decide if a website, video, or message is trustworthy?”
    Builds media literacy and critical thinking skills.

1. Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or sleep after being online

2. Becoming secretive about online activity or hiding screens when you enter

3. Reluctance to discuss their internet use or refusing to say who they’re communicating with

4. Unexpected new friends or contacts you don’t recognize

5. Unexplained changes in device usage—using it much more or much less

6. Avoiding social situations, seeming anxious or upset after going online

7. Mentioning feeling bullied, excluded, or threatened in messages or posts

8. Unfamiliar charges on your credit card or new accounts you didn’t set up

How to Support Your Child

• Stay calm and approachable.
  Reacting with anger or panic may make your child less likely to come to you in the future. Let them know you are there to help and support them, no matter what.

• Ask open, non-judgmental questions.
  Try: “I’ve noticed you seem a bit down after being online. Is there anything you’d like to talk about?”

• Reassure them they’re not in trouble.
  It’s important your child feels safe coming to you with any problem.

• Work together to solve the problem.
  Discuss next steps, whether it’s blocking/reporting someone, saving evidence, or adjusting privacy settings.

• Contact your child’s school for extra support.
  Teachers and counselors can offer help and guidance, especially if bullying involves classmates.

• Know when to escalate.
  If you suspect your child is in danger or is being targeted for serious cyberbullying, harassment, or exploitation, contact your local authorities right away.

• Find support for yourself and your child.
  Seek out resources, hotlines, or counseling services if needed. You’re not alone, support is available.

Remember: Keeping communication open and judgment-free creates a safe environment for your child, both online and offline.

Explore the Free Cyber Safety Guides page for access to downloads from leading and trusted organizations

Take your family's online safety to the next level with our exclusive, in-depth Parent Guides.

These downloadable PDFs offer step-by-step advice, safety checklists, and expert tips—specially tailored for today’s most popular social media platforms and apps.

Each guide is designed to help you:

• Understand how specific platforms work

• Set up privacy and security for your child’s accounts

• Spot common risks and avoid pitfalls

• Start safety conversations with confidence

New guides are added regularly—covering Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and more.

Ready to empower your family online?

Visit The Cyber Toolbox Shop to browse and purchase our exclusive Parent Guides!