Practical tips and resources to help parents, teachers and carers navigate young people’s online experience
In an ever-changing online world, staying on top of how young people interact in the digital space – social media or online gaming – can be overwhelming. With these helpful tips, advice and resources, you will be well-equipped to help the young people in your life have a positive online experience and know where to seek help when in need.
Resources for parents and teachers84%
of Aussie kids have a social media presence before they are two years old.
1 in 5
young people admitted to behaving in a negative way to a peer online.
6 Ways to help keep young people safe online
Set clear ground rules
Have open and honest conversations to establish the rules on how, when and where they use their devices – and be consistent.
Use technology to protect them
Check that your child’s device is always updated and running the latest software and that privacy settings are on and configured to minimise data collection and sharing.
Keep personal information private
Help your child learn to keep personal information private and cover webcams when not in use.
Proactively engage and listen
Check in with your young person regularly, make sure you listen without judgement, and help ensure they connect with people positively.
Model healthy online habits
Be mindful of the example you set and encourage your child to be kind online and to support friends and family by sending positive messages or emojis.
Let them have fun and express themselves
Spending time online can be a great opportunity for your children to be creative, learn, use their voice to share their views, and support causes that are important to them.
Should parents be allowed to share content about their kids online?
In a world where the average kid has at least 1,500 images posted of them online before they are five, we need to ask ourselves, what are the issues for kids when the adults in their lives post content about them online?
What gets posted online stays online and can be accessed by anyone at any stage, for good or bad. Without realising the consequences, many parents and carers post images and videos showing personal information about where their child goes to school, what they like to do, and where they live, play and holiday.
In whatever we do as parents and carers, we should be privacy-preserving, limiting the amount of personal information we share wherever possible.
Online gaming and parental controls
Tips on how to talk to young people about social media
- Ask about their online experience, what they enjoy, what they’re interested in and invite them to show you while you’re talking about it.
- Talk about harmful online behaviours, such as gossiping, spreading rumours and bullying. It can be helpful to remind them that engaging in these harmful behaviours can have consequences for them and others.
- Talk about what is safe to share online and ways to protect their privacy, and encourage them to think before posting.
UNICEF Youth – Staying safe online
Discover a space for young people to learn about the ever-changing online world, knowing their rights, protecting their privacy, staying safe and being a good friend online.
