Parent’s Guide to Keep Kids Safe in the Digital World

As children spend more time in the digital world, the responsibility of ensuring safety in this space for families grows increasingly important. Unfortunately, on some platforms, children, especially younger ones, unknowingly become targets for malicious individuals.

According to UNICEF reports, 25% of children online communicate with strangers, opening the door to digital exploitation. Your child’s online safety has become more critical than ever before.

Global research shows that children aged 8-18 are increasingly at risk of online exploitation. 60% of children form friendships with malicious individuals, share personal information, are manipulated, or even face blackmail. To protect from these dangers, parents must be aware and take concrete steps.

At Tiny Minies, we prioritize providing a safe digital environment for children, and through this guide, we aim to help parents protect their children in the digital world.

By reading this guide, you will not only become aware of digital threats but also take tangible steps to keep your children safe.

Important Note: This guide has been prepared by Tiny Minies to enhance child safety in the digital world. Creating safe digital environments is everyone’s responsibility! Please feel free to share this guide with other families with young children. Our goal is to reach as many parents and children as possible to spread safe internet usage.

1. Learn About Digital Platforms:

Know the platforms your child uses, such as Roblox and Discord. Understand how these platforms work and what content they allow. Learn how to use parental controls and privacy settings.

What to do?

Explore the platforms your child uses and read the parental safety guides available on them. If there’s no guide or if you think the platform is unsuitable for your child, talk to them about transitioning to a safer platform or at least ensure they use it under your supervision.

2. Adjust Privacy Settings:

Review the privacy settings on the platforms with your child. Ensure their profile is visible only to friends, and restrict messaging and commenting features to prevent communication with strangers.

What to do?

Check your child’s profile settings and allow them to communicate only with known individuals. Use available parental controls to limit who can send private messages or interact with your child.

3. Monitor Who They Talk To:

Track who your child is talking, playing, or messaging with online. Sometimes children communicate with strangers in online games or social media.

What to do?

Occasionally play with your child or check their social media accounts to see who they interact with. Casually ask them in daily conversations if they’ve communicated with someone they don’t know.

4. Communicate Openly:

Discuss the risks they might face online and explain in simple terms why they should be cautious about strangers and why they should never share personal information.

What to do?

Reassure your child that they can talk to you if they encounter an uncomfortable situation online. Encourage them to report any unsettling messages or conversations immediately.

5. Intervene in Suspicious Situations:

If you discover that someone is asking your child for personal information or photos, intervene immediately. Use platform reporting tools, block suspicious accounts, and ensure your child stops communicating with them.

What to do?

If your child encounters such a situation, block the person and report them using the platform’s reporting tools. Don’t hesitate to contact the platform authorities and, if necessary, report the incident to legal authorities.

6. Limit Screen Time and Content Types:

Control how much and when your child uses the internet. Set screen time limits and use content filtering tools to ensure your child accesses only age-appropriate content.

What to do?

Create a separate child profile in your browser and mobile devices with age-appropriate content restrictions.

7. Choose Educational and Safe Apps:

Opt for safe, educational apps that contribute to your child’s development. Apps like Tiny Minies offer both an educational and safe experience.

What to do?

Download apps only from trusted app stores (Apple Store, Google Play) and choose apps approved in the Kids category.

8. Explain Digital Footprints:

Teach your child that their online actions leave a permanent footprint, and everything they share can be seen by others.

What to do?

Review social media posts with your child and calmly discuss what’s appropriate to share. Continuously remind them not to share personal information.

9. Teach Reporting Mechanisms:

Show your child how to report and block users when they face inappropriate situations online. Many platforms offer tools for reporting suspicious behavior.

What to do?

Without alarming your child, teach them how to report or block users in case they receive an unsettling message.

10. Seek Professional Support:

If your child is subjected to serious digital threats or blackmail, seek professional help without delay.

What to do?

Don’t hesitate to contact legal authorities and seek psychological or legal support if your child encounters blackmail or threats.

We are always here to ensure your little ones are safe in the digital world. If you need assistance or have any questions, our expert team is ready to support you. You can reach us via our Instagram account or by emailing us at kids@gamester.com.tr.