Digital Safety Resources
While the internet can be a wonderful resource and way to connect, it also poses significant dangers to kids and teens. From children accessing the wrong content, to the wrong people accessing children, it's important for parents and other caregivers to stay informed and have ongoing conversations about online safety. Check out the different resources from our child protection specialists at the Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Children's, as well as additional recommended resources below.
If you suspect a child has been a victim of online enticement or exploitation, like sextortion, make a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline or contact local law enforcement.
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Resources to help implement digital safety
The resources below are designed to help parents and caregivers protect their children while they spend time online. They cover tips for navigating the digital space safely and tips for how to “unplug” when needed. Each family has unique needs, and these resources can help you make the best decisions for your family.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of publicly available internet safety resources. Please conduct additional research if the below resources do not meet your needs. If you need assistance locating additional resources and/or information, contact CPCTraining@choa.org, or other referenced organizations.
Build healthy tech habits with "kid-friendly" devices
Please use caution with any internet connected device, even those that are advertised as kid friendly. Regularly supervise and update the parental controls or features on any device kids and teens may have access to.
Note: Children's does not endorse any of the following products. For informational purposes only.
Parental controls for mobile devices
Parental controls are not perfect, but here are some available resources to explore to help make it more difficult for kids to access inappropriate material.
Note: Children's does not endorse any of the following products. For informational purposes only.
Discussion guides
One of the best ways to protect children online is through open communication. Thorn for Parents has developed discussion guides to help parents and caregivers address sensitive topics surrounding technology use and online interactions.
Cyberbullying resources
It’s difficult to imagine children being bullied anywhere and can be even harder to navigate when it happens online. Learn more about preventing and responding to cyberbullying through the resources below.
