5 Online Safety Tips for Your Kids in 2025

A young girl playing her favourite online game using uncapped wireless internet

5 Online Safety Tips for Your Kids in 2025

A study done by Thorn showcased that approximately 1 in 3 minors aged 9-17 have been exposed to sexual interactions online (Thorn, 2023).

There is no doubt that the internet plays a very important role in our daily lives - working from home, business efficiency, homeschooling, connecting with family members long distance - and that's just to name a few.

While the benefits of good Internet access continue to increase, the risks and challenges associated with it do as well, particularly for minors with little supervision. This article gives you easy and practical steps to keep your kids' online consumption as safe as possible.

1) Parental control Software/Apps

Kaspersky Safe Kids and Questodio are just a few examples of apps that allow you to filter and block specific sites or content based on age-appropriate ratings - and the best part is they are completely free.

💡 Pro Tip: If you have more than one child, consider creating a separate profile for each child so that you can customise settings based on their age.

Other free parental control apps to consider:
🔐 Google Family link (mobile app control)
🔐 Microsoft Family Safety (Windows & Xbox)
🔐 OpenDNS Familyshield (advanced filtering)

A mother educating her son about online safety via computer connected to fast internet

2) Educate your children about online privacy and data protection

This step might feel a little daunting, especially if you're not a tech-savvy parent, but educating your children about online privacy & data protection from an early age is vital. Here are a few simple tips you can teach them - no PhD in technology is required.

1️⃣ Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
2️⃣ Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
3️⃣ Avoid oversharing personal information (such as home address, phone number and school details), especially without your consent as a parent.
4️⃣ Think before you post! What you post on social media can have long-term consequences.

A young child picking a movie to watch using a fast, reliable and affordable internet connection

3) Monitor trending apps, games and social media platforms

It's no surprise that whenever a new social app/game comes out, your child is the first one to know about it. That’s why it’s so important for parents to stay up to date with the latest trends and the risks that might come along with it.

A great method to use is the 4 Rs:

1️⃣ Regularly review the apps/games your children are using.
2️⃣ Research privacy settings/any other risks.
3️⃣ Read reviews to see if other parents have raised concerns.
4️⃣ React IMMEDIATELY by setting restrictions if needed.

💡 Remember: Cyberbullying, online predators and exposure to inappropriate content happen every day. Stay involved in your child's online activity, teach them about online etiquette and safety as soon as they can understand and implement parental controls or restrictions when necessary.

A parent checking social media platforms using reliable WiFi

4) Teach your children to identify "fake news" and online scams

The internet is flooded with propaganda and fake news that are used as bait, which is why it's essential to teach your children how to identify and avoid these types of deceptive content. How do you do that:

1️⃣ Encourage your children to verify information by asking you as a parent - or if they’re old enough - from a reputable online source before believing or sharing it.
2️⃣ Ask your children to get your approval before they make any online payments with your bank cards.
3️⃣ Teach your kids to avoid clicking on random online banners - these can lead to fake websites or inappropriate content. Encourage them to ask you first if something seems suspicious.

A family connected to fast uncapped home internet while using multiple devices

5) Ensure you have reliable internet access

Unreliable internet can expose your home devices to security risks, make parental controls ineffective, and disrupt important security updates.

Upgrade your home internet with WIRUlink today. Our fast, reliable and affordable internet solutions will ensure your family's online experience is secure, uninterrupted and safe.

Conclusion

Remember, this article isn't meant to scare parents or make children fear the internet. Instead, it’s about encouraging families to set healthy boundaries.

When used correctly, the internet is a powerful tool that makes learning, creativity, and communication so much easier - so let’s help our children use it wisely.