Whether your child has their first tablet, smartphone, or gaming console — or you’re simply trying to catch up — it can feel overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to digital safety.
This checklist includes the 10 most important things every parent should do to create a safer, more supportive digital environment for children and young people.
1. 🛠 Set Up Parental Controls
Use built-in parental controls on devices, apps, and home Wi-Fi. These help manage screen time, restrict content, and limit purchases.
Helpful links: Internet Matters: Parental Controls Guides
2. 👁️🗨️ Turn Off Location Sharing
On phones and tablets, disable location sharing for apps unless absolutely necessary. This protects privacy and helps prevent tracking or stalking.
3. 📱 Set Up App Store Restrictions
Use device settings to require a password or PIN for downloading apps or making purchases. Block age-inappropriate apps.
4. 🧠 Talk About Online Strangers
Explain that not everyone online is who they say they are. Teach children to never share personal details or photos with people they don’t know in real life.
5. 🔞 Use Safe Search Filters
Enable SafeSearch on Google and YouTube to block explicit results.
Google SafeSearch: Set up SafeSearch
6. ⌛ Create Screen-Free Times
Set healthy boundaries: no phones at dinner or in the bedroom at night. Encourage digital downtime to protect sleep and wellbeing.
7. 🌐 Filter Content at the Wi-Fi Level
Use your broadband provider’s parental controls to filter adult content across the whole home network.
Helpful guide: How to use DNS filtering for network-wide protection
8. 🔒 Create a Family Tech Agreement
Set simple rules together: when and where devices can be used, what happens if something goes wrong, and how to ask for help.
Free template: Childnet Family Agreement
9. 📚 Know the Games and Apps They Use
Spend a few minutes trying the apps or games your child likes. This helps you understand the risks and talk about them together.
10. 💬 Keep the Conversation Open
Make sure your child knows they can come to you with questions, worries, or mistakes. A safe, supportive conversation is the most powerful tool you have.
💬 What worked for you? Is there something you wish you’d done sooner? Share your tips and questions below — your experience could help another parent right now.
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