FAQ: Online Safety Tips

Why is internet safety important?

There are a lot of benefits to allowing kids to use the internet. It helps them learn new things and connect with friends and family. But being online exposes kids to digital dangers like exploitation, scams, bullying and more. Practicing internet safety as a family helps protect your children from these risks. Our digital safety resources help you talk with kids about internet safety, set up screen time limits and more.

How many kids use social media?

Research shows 97% percent of U.S. kids aged 13 to 17 use the internet every day. Half of them report using social media “almost constantly.” Most platforms have a minimum age requirement of 13, but 64% of children aged 8 to 12 still report using social media regularly. The truth is most kids are on social media apps every day, and the number is increasing. Teaching them how to use the internet safely is more important than ever.

Do you have tips on how to talk with kids about internet safety?

One of the best ways to protect kids from digital dangers is to talk openly with them about internet safety. These conversations help them learn the risks of being online and ways to protect themselves. More importantly, it builds trust. When your child feels safe talking to you, they’re more likely to come to you when something makes them feel uncomfortable or scared. Conversation guides can help you discuss specific topics from screen time to consent and more.

Should kids have cell phones?

Screen time causes negative outcomes for kids of all ages, including disruptions to language development, sleep and attention—as well as increases in depression, anxiety and suicide. Connected devices also expose kids to online dangers like cyberbullying, sextortion and scams. For these reasons, our mental health and digital safety experts recommend delaying cell phone use until kids are at least 13 to 14 years old (and social media use until they’re 16). When that time comes, it’s important to monitor our kids’ activity, set up parental controls and familiarize ourselves with the apps they use. This makes it easier to spot red flags and take steps to protect our kids from digital dangers.

Can you teach me how to limit screen time?

A great way to limit screen time is to create an online safety agreement. This document helps your family set rules and consequences tied to internet use, including how much time kids can spend online, what type of content they can click on, and what to do when something feels off. It’s also important to set up parental controls on your child’s devices and monitor their activity regularly. This may feel like an invasion of privacy, but using the internet is a privilege—one that exposes kids to serious risks. It’s your job as a parent to ensure your child is using the internet safely.

What is sharenting?

Sharenting is when parents post a lot of information about their kids online. It may seem innocent enough to post photos of your child’s school events, share about their hobbies or interests, or post updates about their personal life. But all that information could be used to steal your child’s identity, or hone in on their physical location and routines. Protect your child’s identity online by keeping personally identifiable information private and only sharing with close, trusted contacts. It’s also important to consider any embarrassment your child may experience when information about their life is posted. Always talk to your child and only post what they are comfortable sharing.

What is personally identifiable information?

Personally identifiable information (PII) is data that reveals a person’s identity or location. It can be used to track someone, steal their identity, or harass them in person or online. PII includes things that point directly to an individual, like their social security number, date of birth or home address. Indirect identifiers like the name of your child’s school, teacher or after school activities can also point to their identity or location. It’s important to keep your child’s PII private and to think twice before sharing anything that could help identify them. Learn more about protecting your child’s personally identifiable information.

What is sexting and what is sextortion? Are they the same?

Sexting and sextortion are not the same thing, but they can be connected in some cases.

• Sexting is when people share explicit content through digital means, like texting or chat. That may seem like a grown-up activity, but it’s become a normal part of sexual development that’s happening at younger and younger ages.
• Sextortion is when someone uses an explicit image to make someone do something they don’t want to do, like send them more photos or money. This is a type of blackmail that often targets young people.

Kids may think sexting is a casual, consensual act. But the truth is, sending these photos can lead to serious risks, like cyberbullying, and emotional distress if the photos are shared or misused. Sexting can turn into sextortion if someone threatens to share your child’s photo with people outside of the relationship, or uses them for revenge or blackmail. For more information on this important topic, check out our Digital Safety 101 video on sexting.

Is cyberbullying illegal? Do you have tips for how to prevent cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is illegal in most states, including Georgia—but more importantly, it’s extremely harmful. There are several things you can do to protect your child from bullying. First, start talking to them about bullying at a young age, and continue that conversation as they get older. Kids find it easier to come to safe, trusted adults for help. Next, monitor your child’s online behavior and engage in online activities with them. Using social media apps and gaming with your child will help you understand how each platform works, which makes it easier to spot red flags. Lastly, block and report anyone who bullies your child across all the apps they use.

How are social media and mental health connected?

Social media can help kids and teens build connection and a sense of identity. But frequent social media use has been tied to a sharp increase in depression, anxiety and suicide in adolescents. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of social media on mental health, but experts are already concerned. View our complete guide on kids, social media and mental health to learn more.

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.