The internet is an incredible place for learning, connecting, and creativity—but it also comes with risks that change as kids grow. This guide breaks down simple, doable steps by age, gives you ready-to-use conversation scripts, and shares the best tools to keep your family safe online—while still letting kids explore and have fun.
 Parental Controls help keep them from things they shouldn't see |
Section 1: Start With a Family Tech Plan
Set shared values: “We use tech to learn, create, and connect—safely and kindly.”
Put screens in shared spaces for younger kids; bedrooms are device-free at night.
Make it visual: Post your plan on the fridge.
Review every 6 months or after big milestones (new grade, first phone, social media).
Quick template:
- Where devices live/charge: Example - Kitchen overnight
- When we’re offline: Example - Meals, 1 hour before bed, car rides after dark
- What’s private: Example - name, address, school, passwords, location, selfies
- How we fix mistakes: Example - Tell a parent; no blame, only solutions
*You can also find a ready-made printable at the bottom of this article*
Section 2: Age-by-Age Safety Tips
Ages 0–6: Foundations
Co-watch: Sit with them and narrate what’s happening.
Safe content hubs: PBS Kids, Khan Academy Kids, National Geographic Kids.
Turn off autoplay and in-app chat wherever possible.
Teach the “body rules” apply online: If it’s not okay in person, it’s not okay on a screen.
Ages 7–9: First Independence
Create a simple password rule: 3 random words + a number they remember.
Introduce “pause and ask” for links, downloads, and chats.
Use kid-safe messaging (e.g., parent-approved contacts only).
Practice the “uh-oh” muscle: If something feels weird, close the tab and tell a grown-up.
Ages 10–12: Pre-Social Media
Talk about algorithms: “Apps show more of what you watch. You’re the boss, not the feed.”
Set first-phone expectations: Texting etiquette, group chats, photos, and screen breaks.
Discuss cyberbullying: Save evidence, block, report; loop in a parent and school if needed.
No location on photos; turn off geotags and public friend lists.
Ages 13–15: Social Media & Identity
Private profiles by default; approve followers you actually know.
Content rule: If you wouldn’t want it on the school bulletin board, don’t post it.
Discuss FOMO, body image, and comparison—unfollow or mute liberally.
Teach red flags: Love bombing, fast-moving online friendships, requests to move to private apps.
Ages 16+: Adulting Online
Digital reputation: Colleges and employers look—Google yourself quarterly.
Money safety: Spot scams, fake job posts, phishing, and shady “brand collabs.”
Driving + phone: Set Do Not Disturb While Driving; texts wait.
Boundaries in relationships: Consent, image sharing laws, and how to get help.
Section 3: Parental Controls That Actually Help (Without Spying)
Router-level controls: Filter categories and set bedtimes for Wi-Fi.
Device-level settings: Screen Time (Apple), Family Link (Android/Chromebook).
Browser safety: SafeSearch on; consider a kid browser with whitelisting.
App store locks: Require parent approval for downloads and in-app purchases.
Pro tip: Controls are guardrails, not handcuffs. Pair them with ongoing conversations.
Section 4: Spotting Scams, Predators, and Harmful Content
Teach kids to be suspicious of:
Urgency: “Act now!” “Don’t tell your parents!”
Too-good-to-be-true offers: Free Robux, gift cards, giveaways
Requests for secrecy, personal info, or private pics
Links from strangers or weird-looking URLs
What to do:
Don’t reply, click, or pay
Screenshot, block, report
Tell a trusted adult immediately
 See our printable online safety contract below |
Section 5: The Three Scripts Parents Love
The “Reset” Script (after a mistake):
“I’m glad you told me. You’re not in trouble. Let’s fix this together and set up a plan so it doesn’t happen again.”
The “Friend Says It’s Fine” Script:
“Different families have different rules. Our job is to keep you safe and healthy. When you’re older, we can revisit this together.”
The “Party Photo” Script:
“If someone posts a photo you don’t like, you can ask them to take it down. If they won’t, we’ll report it together. Your boundaries matter.”
Section 6: Privacy & Security Basics for the Whole Family
- Use a password manager; enable 2-factor authentication
- Unique passwords for every account
- Update devices and apps regularly
- Cover webcams when not in use
- Teach kids to log out on shared devices
- Keep school and personal accounts separate
Section 7: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Stay calm and listen; thank them for telling you
Collect evidence (screenshots, usernames, links)
Block and report on-platform
Loop in school if peers are involved
For threats or extortion, contact local law enforcement and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (CyberTipline at missingkids.org)
Resources:
Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County: https://caccollincounty.org/education/
Collin County Sheriff Child Exploitation Unit: (972) 547- 5100
Collin County Sheriff: Scam Reporting Form
Online safety for kids: Schoolsafety.gov
NetSmartz: NetSmatrz.org
Texas School Safety Center: https://txssc.txstate.edu/
Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Frisco ISD digital citizenship: https://www.friscoisd.org/departments/guidance-and-counseling/counseling-resources/digital-citizenship
McKinney ISD digital citizenship: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/tech-partnering-with-parents
Prosper ISD digital citizenship: https://sites.google.com/prosper-isd.net/pisdedtech
Frisco Library resources: https://friscolibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=digital%20safety&searchType=smart
McKinney and Frisco police non-emergency numbers for guidance - Mckinney: 972-547-2700 Frisco: 972-292-6010
Want our premade Family Tech Agreement (contract) and a printable Age-Appropriate App Checklist, plus other internet safety resources for families?
Click here:
One-Page Family Tech Agreement + Age-Appropriate App Checklist
