Ahmad*, 12, his sister Dina*, 6, and their mother Amani* look at photos on a phone

Siblings Ahmad*, 12, and Dina* 6 were asleep when the earthquake hit their home in the Aleppo Governorate, northern Syria. Their parents tried to protect them from the falling ceiling - Amani*, 28 used her body to shield her son and was injured. Their father Lutfi*, 33, broke his back. The family were trapped in the rubble for around 4 hours until neighbours were able to hear their cries for help. Their home was completely destroyed and they didn’t escape with any belongings. The family say that they are struggling in the aftermath, with no financial security and Dina* suffering from nightmares about her experiences. We first met the family while Lutfi* was in hospital. Ahmad* and Dina* were staying with their mother in a tent supplied by Save the Children partner organisation Shafaq. They were also given emergency supplies like blankets, food and clothes. A few days later Save the Children did a follow up and met Lutfi* who had been discharged but is on bed rest while he recovers. He was provided with medicine by Save the Children partner organisation Shafaq. Khalil Ashawi/Save the Children

Guide: How to help children you know stay safe online

6 Nov 2024 Global

The number of children with access to the internet is on the rise. Although it comes with huge benefits it can also leave children at an increased risk of harm. That's why together with experts in online safety we have develop a new series of  tips to help you keep your children safe online. 

More and more children are accessing the internet every day. New digital technologies and the content available at children's fingertips is constantly evolving. Technology can be extremely beneficial for children but with no appropriate measures it can impact the way they learn, play, interact, and  access information, whilst also leaving them at an increased risk of experiencing harm.

If you are worried about your child's online safety, look no further.

As a global leader in child protection and children participation, we are committed to working with and for children ensure they are safe on and offline. 

That's why together with experts in online safety we have developed a new series of  tips for parents, teachers, leaders of children’s clubs, social workers and anyone else who may interact with children to help them stay safe online. Keep scrolling to read the tips!

Abdulaye*, 11 and other children (from L to R: Mata, Saibatu, Hindolo* and Abdulaye*) taking portraits of each other in Djelah*, Sierra Leone

Abdulaye*, 11 and other children (from L to R: Mata, Saibatu, Hindolo* and Abdulaye*) taking portraits of each other in Djelah*, Sierra Leone. Shona Hamilton/Save the Children

8 ways you can help your children stay safe Online

1.STOP AND THINK BEFORE YOU SHARE

  • People with bad intentions can find and imitate you and your child with very few pieces of information
  • Never share full names or exact locations online or in apps
  • Disable precise location settings and don't share birth dates
  • If in doubt, leave it out

2. Consent

  • Ask older children permission before sharing consent or photos of them online. This helps them learn that they need to control their online presence.
  • Ask yourself, could your child be embarrassed that you've shared this?

3. DON'T REVEAL PERSONAL INFORMATION ONLINE

  • Don't share photographs of your child with a school logo or identifying information.
  • Don't reveal your location until you've left it behind:
    • Street signs
    • School signs
    • Holiday details
    • Hotel or cafe signs

4. EDUCATE YOURSELF 

  • Keep up to date with what's popular online and which trends could be dangerous
  • Ask your child's schools what they are teaching children about online safety
  • Learn from children which sites and apps they and their friends are spending time on
Iana* 17, Pavlo 12* and Daryna* 8 look at their phones in their homes in Suceava county, northern Romania

Iana* 17, Pavlo 12* and Daryna* 8 look at their phones in their homes in Suceava county, northern Romania Alina Smutko/Save the Children

5. Share your experiences of using technology with your child

  • Ask your child if any of their friends have experienced problems online and what they did
  • Share the concerns you have about technology in an age-appropriate way
  • Give your children the right words to tell you if something has happened

6. Children copy you: show healthy technology habits

  • Reduce your own screen time
  • Avoid screens at meal times
  • Explain what you are doing when you are on a device in front of your children
  • If your child is trying to speak to you, put your phone away
  • Don’t play games in front of your children that are unsuitable for them to play

7. Discuss the impact of technology together with your child

These an be some useful questions to start conversations with your own children:

  • How do different technologies, sites, apps or games make you feel?
  • Do they affect your sleep, diet or exercise?
  • Does using technology affect your family life or friendships, for good or bad?

8. Agree on limits and alternatives

  • It can be easier to get children to stop using screens if you start the day with an offline activity
  • Stick to rules and routines you have set with your child
  • Once screen time is finished, turn the screen off
  • Remember that being bored isn’t always bad- it can encourage creativity

 

Do you know an adult or child that this could help? Save and share!

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