In the digital age, guiding children to become responsible digital citizens has never been more crucial. We’ve gathered insights from educators and tech-savvy professionals, including a Middle School Teacher and a Blogger, to offer their single best tip. From curating and monitoring YouTube content to teaching the use of VPNs for security, discover thirteen valuable strategies to help your children navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
- Curate and Monitor YouTube Content
- Model Positive Online Behavior
- Create a Digital Safety Plan
- Encourage Real-World Engagement
- Discuss Online Privacy and Risks
- Foster Critical Thinking Skills
- Set a Positive Posting Example
- Maintain Open Communication Lines
- Establish Strict Technology Rules
- Enforce Technology Restrictions
- Promote Transparency in Tech Use
- Highlight Positive Digital Interactions
- Teach VPN Use for Security
Curate and Monitor YouTube Content
My 4-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter enjoy watching age-appropriate shows and educational games on their tablets, but I worry about them stumbling onto inappropriate YouTube content.
Rather than simply banning YouTube, I take an active role in curating what they view. I disable autoplay, restrict their app access, and create playlists of pre-vetted, high-quality videos that align with our family values. Whenever they want to watch something new, I preview it first to ensure it’s safe and worthwhile.
Katie McCann
Blogger, From Bump To Bubble
Model Positive Online Behavior
In today’s digital landscape, helping children become responsible digital citizens is so crucial. As an educator specializing in this area, one key tip I often share with parents is the importance of walking the walk and modeling positive online behavior.
We all know that children learn by example, so actively showing them regularly how and what to post in responsible ways is incredibly helpful. Interacting online in thoughtful, meaningful, and intentional ways, and really setting concrete examples of how to represent yourself well online, is essential.
Regularly talking about online activity is also super helpful—both the positive and negative—and explaining, or better yet, having them explain why some behaviors are a good idea, or not, and how what they post today not only becomes a part of their digital footprint but also their digital legacy, which can stay with them throughout the entirety of their lives.
I think a lot of kids often get caught up in the here and now, but framing it as a thing that’s actually the foundation for how they’ll be seen by others forever is a really great tool to shift things into perspective.
Ashley J. Hassard
Middle School Teacher
Create a Digital Safety Plan
I teach high school Health and English. I taught a unit on digital safety recently, and I created an “If I Go Missing” folder for students. It’s a dark idea, but the world is scary. It’s a 36-page document they can give to their parents or trusted adults. As part of the unit, we discuss data and statistics around online relationships and personal safety.
As we go through the document, students learn to find important information like medical history and personal documents. We discuss their thoughts and feelings throughout the process, and slowly they start to realize we are doing all this work to keep them safe.
It’s an eye-opening experience for them, but they feel accomplished when they are done. Parents and adults are usually very grateful for the assignment.
Valerie de la Rosa
Teacher, Educational Consultant, Blogger, The Weary Educator
Encourage Real-World Engagement
When technology is beckoning our attention at every turn, I take time to do the opposite. Just last week, I was on the bus with my 3.5-year-old, and she wanted to use my phone.
I pointed out the window at the passing trees and shops, asking her to point out letters she understands and what colors she can see. Technology is amazing, but we need to draw our boundaries and take time to be present in the real world.
Matt Saunders
Mindset Coach, Mindset Coaching
Discuss Online Privacy and Risks
It’s critical for children to understand the concept of privacy online, and why the personal information of themselves and others must be protected.
The more information they give out, the more easily they can be targeted by cyber criminals who gain access to this information. And this extends to the sharing of personal images online or with friends.
While it’s not an easy subject, they need to understand the concept of “sextortion” as they grow. i.e. a Criminal has gained access to a compromising photo and blackmails the victim or they will release the photo. They should NEVER share a compromising photo.
Mike Ouwerkerk
Fun, Engaging Cyber Security Awareness Trainer & Cultural Transformation Consultant, Web Safe Staff
Foster Critical Thinking Skills
The greatest thing we can teach our children is critical thinking. This is especially true in our world where technology has provided unlimited access to information. The ability to consume, prioritize, and assimilate the vast amount of information we’re faced with each day is overwhelming, so having a strong sense of curiosity tempered with skepticism is invaluable.
In my experience, the best way to develop this in our children is to talk with them. Ask hard questions about what they’re facing, and be more interested in the process than the conclusion. Asking open-ended—not leading—questions can open them up to think in new ways and might be a chance for us to learn something from them, too.
Jeremy Ross
Co-Founder, Volume11
Set a Positive Posting Example
My husband and I set an example of what to post and, more importantly, what not to post as an example to our three sons. All too often, we’ve seen other adults we know post negative things about family members and exes and fight with others.
It’s just not good form and sets a bad example for children. We always strive to be a good influence on our children and on other young adults, and a few older ones, too.
Anne McAuley Lopez
Writer and Author, Agency Content Writer
Maintain Open Communication Lines
In my experience as a child and adolescent psychologist for Sentinel Foundation (an organization that combats child sexual exploitation and trafficking), children are often scared to share technological missteps with their parents due to fear of an angry and/or disappointed response.
If parents are able to manage their own emotional reactions in regular interactions with their child, their child will be more likely to come to them with tech-related concerns. As such, the number one prevention tip I give to parents is to talk to their children, early and often, about what they may find online and how their parent will respond if the child comes to them with missteps, questions, or concerns.
Ashley E. Poklar
Founder, A Poklar Ponders
Establish Strict Technology Rules
This one is simple – we don’t allow it. Ok, so there’s more to it than just that. It’s more like with our kids, we ask them this question: Do you understand what comes at you when you have a smartphone, and do you want all of that? We do allow our kids to have iPods, but in a very limited way, meaning no Wi-Fi access outside of home and no external sites allowed on the iPod. Do they miss things because of our rules?
Yes, of course they do—they miss all the comparisons, garbage on social media, bad influences, and downright evil on the internet. If our kids want a phone, we’ll make them pay for it, and that challenges them to afford it on their own.
But overall, because we are grooming them to be mature, loving adults, they understand the dangers of being a digital citizen and honestly, most teenagers don’t have the maturity to handle that. (A question to figure that out is: Would you have at their age? My answer: No way.) They understand the responsibility of being a responsible, mature citizen and have chosen not to have a phone or cut down on internet use with their computers (used for homeschool). I hope this standard challenges you because I think we need more challenges as parents and definitely for our kids to become mature.
Michael Hasebroock
Nurse Educator, Joyce University
Enforce Technology Restrictions
As a mom of three boys who were all hooked to the screen even at their young age, this could be a challenge. Yet, there’s one important thing to do: to help our kids become good digital citizens by setting up ground rules and restrictions for technology use. This entails establishing screen-time limits, outlining which websites and applications are suitable for their age, and having a conversation about the value of online safety and privacy.
We can help our children develop positive online presence habits and beliefs by walking our talk—that is, modeling responsible behavior in addition to having open conversations about digital citizenship. We can also create further opportunities for continued reminders and reinforcement of these concepts by routinely following up with them regarding their experiences and actions on the internet.
Esperanza Pretila
Founder, Store with a Heart
Promote Transparency in Tech Use
As the CEO of Trustworthy, a leader in family digital transformation, and a parent, I firmly believe that guiding children to be responsible digital citizens starts with empowering them through knowledge and structure.
One tip I can share with other parents is to promote transparency and open communication about technology use. Encourage your children to talk openly about the apps, games, or social media platforms they use. This establishes a foundation of trust and allows you to guide them toward healthy digital habits.
A great tip for other parents is to create a “digital family plan” that clearly defines rules and expectations around technology use. For example, allow 1 hour of screen time after homework is completed. Screens must be turned off at least 30 minutes before bed to allow wind-down time. At Trustworthy, through our Family Operating System®, families can store and manage this plan alongside other essential information like passwords, IDs, and emergency contacts, ensuring easy access and alignment for everyone.
Encourage your children to be actively involved in setting these guidelines. This involvement helps them better understand online safety, the value of privacy, and the consequences of digital interactions. With this approach, your children gain a sense of accountability, while you maintain a watchful eye and guide them toward healthy digital habits.
Nat Robinson
Founder & CEO, Trustworthy
Highlight Positive Digital Interactions
As a mom of a 14-year-old boy, my tip for other parents is to focus on positive guidance. Talk to your child about the importance of online kindness and using technology for good. Encourage them to be mindful of their words and actions online, just as they would in person.
Highlight the benefits of using technology to learn, create, and connect with others positively, rather than solely emphasizing the dangers and restrictions. By promoting a balanced and positive approach to digital citizenship, you can help your child manage the digital world responsibly and thoughtfully.
Phoebe Mendez
Owner, Pinay Mama
Teach VPN Use for Security
In guiding children to become responsible digital citizens in today’s technology-centric world, it is paramount to instill a sense of security and privacy online. One essential tip for parents is to teach their children the importance of using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
What is a VPN, and how does it help? A VPN serves as a protective barrier, encrypting internet traffic and masking the user’s real IP address, which significantly reduces the risk of cyber threats and enhances privacy.
Through familiarizing children with the concept and functionality of VPNs, parents can empower them to navigate the digital world more securely, ensuring they understand the value of safeguarding their digital footprint from an early age. Making VPN usage a habit can be a pivotal step in fostering responsible and security-conscious digital citizens.
Michael Gargiulo
Founder, CEO, VPN.com
